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Sound waves are a form of energy that induce vibrations in a medium, creating waves of compression and rarefaction. Key characteristics include amplitude, wavelength, and frequency, each influencing how sound is perceived. Amplitude dictates loudness, while frequency determines pitch, with the human ear capable of hearing frequencies between 20 and 20,000 Hz. Factors such as the elasticity and arrangement of molecules in a medium affect sound transmission. The speed of sound varies with temperature and the nature of the medium, making these concepts essential in acoustics and audio technology.
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Sound • A form of energy that causes molecules of a medium to vibrate back and forth in a series of compressions and rarefactions as a longitudinal wave http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/noise-canceling-headphone-8.jpg
Characteristics of Waves • Amplitude; The maximum distance that molecules are displaced from their resting position. • Indicates the energy of wave. http://www.bargerbarger.com/personal/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/wave.png
Characteristics of Waves • Wavelength; The distance between 2 consecutive crests or troughs of a wave measure in centimeters and meters. http://www.astro.cornell.edu/academics/courses/astro2201/images/wavelength.gif
Characteristics of Waves • Frequency; The number of complete waves or complete cycles per unit of time. • Measured in Hertz Hz http://www.open2.net/open2static/source/file/root/1/0/26/263839/wave_length_choc_diag3.jpg
Characteristics of Waves • Sound waves also have the characteristic of interaction.
Determining sound • Intensity • Frequency • Quality
Following Effects on the Human Ear • Loudness • Pitch • Timbre
Intensity and Loudness • The amount of energy in a wave determined by the amplitude of sound wave. • Large Amplitude = Large Intensity = Increased Loudness • Measured in Decibels
Frequency and Pitch • Pitch • How high or low the sound is (NOT how loud or soft). • Determined by frequency • High frequency = High pitch • Measured in Hertz (Hz) • Human ears can hear in a range from 20 to 20,000 Hz.
Ultrasonic • A pitch or frequency higher than 20,000 hertz. http://vb-lessenergy.com/sonic_sound_files/page12_1.jpg
Sonar • Uses ultrasonic waves to detect solids. http://mainland.cctt.org/istf2006/images/496px-Sonar_Principle_EN.svg%5B1%5D.png
Transmitting Sound • Requires a Medium
2 Things that Affect the Transmission of Sound • 1. Elasticity of Materials • Materials that are more elastic transmit sound easier. • Metals/Solids are more elastic than liquids and gases.
2 Things that Affect the Transmission of Sound • 2. Arrangement of molecules of the medium. • Molecules that are close together transmit sound easier. • Solids transmit best because the molecules are close together. • A long time ago people would put their ear on the railroad tracks to see how close the train was.
Speed of Sound • In the air it is approximately 340 m/s. • Affected by 2 factors: • Temperature • As temperature increases speed of sound increases. • Nature of the medium • Sound travels faster in the most elastic materials • Density increases speed of sound decreases.