Sound Waves and Vibration

Vibration

• A vibration is a back-and-forth motion that creates a disturbance in the air particles around an object.
• Vibrations can be:
  • Mechanical (e.g., guitar string)
  • Electromagnetic (e.g., light wave)

Sound Waves

• Sound waves are a type of mechanical wave that transfer energy through a medium (solid, liquid, or gas).
• Characteristics:
  • Frequency (pitch): number of oscillations per second (Hz)
  • Amplitude (loudness): maximum displacement from equilibrium
  • Wavelength: distance between two consecutive points in phase
  • Speed: dependent on the medium (see below)

Sound Waves in Different Mediums

• Solids:
  • Sound waves can travel through solids with minimal energy loss.
  • Examples: earthquake waves, sound through a metal rod
• Liquids:
  • Sound waves can travel through liquids with some energy loss.
  • Examples: underwater sonar, whale communication
• Gases (Air):
  • Sound waves can travel through gases with significant energy loss.
  • Examples: human hearing, music
• Vacuum:
  • Sound waves cannot travel through a vacuum because there are no particles to transmit the energy.

Key Differences in Sound Wave Propagation

• Speed:
  • Solids: fastest (e.g., 5,960 m/s in steel)
  • Liquids: slower than solids (e.g., 1,482 m/s in water)
  • Gases: slowest (e.g., 343 m/s in air at 20°C)
• Absorption:
  • Solids: minimal energy loss
  • Liquids: some energy loss
  • Gases: significant energy loss

Learn about the basics of sound waves, including vibration, characteristics, and propagation in different mediums. Understand the key differences in speed and absorption of sound waves in solids, liquids, and gases.