Properties of Sound Waves Flashcards
Sound Waves
Longitudinal waves caused by vibrations that travel through a material medium.
Speed of Sound
The speed depends on the medium; faster in liquids and solids than in gases.
Loudness
Determined by the intensity, which depends on the amplitude of the sound wave and distance from the source. Measured in decibels (dB).
Pitch
A measure of how high or low a sound is perceived, depending on the frequency of the sound wave.
Infrasound
Sound waves with a frequency lower than 20 Hz, below the range of human hearing.
Ultrasound
Sound waves with frequencies higher than 20,000 Hz, above the range of human hearing.
Musical Instruments
Produce sound through vibration of strings, air columns, or membranes; rely on standing waves.
Resonance
Occurs when two objects naturally vibrate at the same frequency, amplifying the sound.
Human Ear
Divided into outer, middle, and inner regions, the ear senses vibrations, amplifies them, and transmits signals to the brain.
Sonar
Sound navigation and ranging; uses acoustic signals and echo returns to determine the location of objects underwater.
Ultrasound Imaging
Uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to create computerized images called sonograms.
Doppler Effect
An observed change in the frequency of a wave when the source or observer is moving.
Intensity
Describes the rate at which a sound wave transmits energy through a given area of a medium.
Sonic Boom
A shock wave created when a source moves as fast or faster than the speed of sound, producing a loud sound similar to an explosion.
Pitch and Frequency
Higher-pitched sounds are caused by sound waves with higher frequencies, and vice versa.