Yes, sound waves transfer energy to the particles in the medium through which they propagate, such as air. When a sound wave travels through a medium, it causes the particles of the medium to vibrate or oscillate. These oscillations are responsible for the transmission of energy from the source of the sound wave to the surrounding particles.
As the sound wave propagates, it creates areas of compression and rarefaction in the medium. In the compressions, the particles are pushed closer together, resulting in higher pressure and increased potential energy. In the rarefactions, the particles are spread out, resulting in lower pressure and decreased potential energy.
As the particles oscillate back and forth due to the sound wave, the energy is transferred from one particle to the next. This transfer of energy allows the sound wave to propagate through the medium.
It's important to note that sound waves transfer energy without significantly displacing the particles themselves. The particles only oscillate around their equilibrium positions, with the energy of the wave being passed along from particle to particle.
In summary, sound waves transfer energy to the particles in the medium by causing them to vibrate or oscillate, resulting in areas of compression and rarefaction as the wave propagates.