Sound Waves and Characteristics

Sound Waves and Propagation

• Sound waves are vibrations that travel through the air, and sound is transmitted in air through vibrations of air particles.
• Longitudinal waves are characterized by compressions and rarefactions.
• Sound waves can be classified as pressure waves.

Characteristics of Waves

• Waves can be compared by distinguishing their characteristics, determining their frequency and wavelength, and computing their wave speed based on frequency and wavelength.
• Longitudinal waves have different characteristics compared to transverse waves.

Speed of Sound

• The speed of sound is affected by the medium it travels through, with certain materials transmitting sound better than others.
• Sound travels faster in hotter mediums than in cooler mediums.
• The density of the medium affects the speed of sound, with closely spaced particles of the medium being better transmitters of sound.

Factors Affecting Sound

• Temperature affects the speed of sound, with higher temperatures resulting in faster sound travel.
• The molecular structure of a material also affects the speed of sound moving through it.

Reflection and Refraction of Sound

• Longitudinal waves can reflect and refract when they hit a surface or change mediums.
• Compressions or rarefactions bounce off after hitting a wall, causing the sound to reflect.

Common Misconceptions

• Sound cannot be produced without using any material objects.
• Hitting an object harder does not change the pitch of the sound produced.
• Sound cannot travel through empty space (a vacuum).
• Sound can travel through liquids and solids.
• Sound travels faster in denser mediums, not slower.
• The greater the density of the medium, the slower the sound is transmitted.

Learn about the properties of sound waves, including their propagation and classification as longitudinal and pressure waves. Explore how to compare waves by frequency, wavelength, and speed.