2.1 Properties of Sound Waves

Sound waves are fascinating phenomena with unique properties. They travel through mediums as longitudinal waves, creating regions of compression and rarefaction. Understanding wavelength, period, velocity, and frequency is crucial for grasping how sound behaves.

Wave propagation involves interactions with mediums and other waves. Reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference shape how sound travels and is perceived. These concepts are fundamental to understanding the physics of sound and its behavior in various environments.

Wave Characteristics

Wave Types and Properties

Top images from around the web for Wave Types and Properties

• 

  Sound | Physics View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sound · Physics View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Waves | Boundless Physics View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sound | Physics View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sound · Physics View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Wave Types and Properties

• 

  Sound | Physics View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sound · Physics View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Waves | Boundless Physics View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sound | Physics View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Sound · Physics View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Longitudinal waves propagate in the direction of the disturbance, causing particles to oscillate parallel to the direction of wave travel
  • Compression regions have high pressure and density where particles are closer together
  • Rarefaction regions have low pressure and density where particles are spread further apart
• Wavelength ($\lambda$) represents the physical distance between two corresponding points on adjacent waves (crests or troughs)
• Period ($T$) measures the time required for one complete wave cycle to pass a fixed point

Wave Velocity and Frequency

• Velocity ($v$) describes the speed and direction of wave propagation through a medium
  • Calculated using the equation $v = \lambda f$, where $f$ is frequency
• Frequency ($f$) counts the number of wave cycles that pass a fixed point per unit time (seconds)
  • Measured in Hertz (Hz), where 1 Hz equals one cycle per second
  • Higher frequencies result in shorter wavelengths for a given velocity

Wave Propagation

Mediums and Wave Interactions

• Medium refers to the substance or material through which a wave travels (air, water, solid objects)
  • Sound waves require a medium to propagate, while electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum
• Reflection occurs when a wave encounters a boundary and bounces back into the original medium
  • Angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection relative to the normal line perpendicular to the surface
• Refraction bends waves as they pass through the boundary between two different mediums
  • Caused by a change in wave velocity due to the properties of the new medium (density, temperature)

Diffraction and Interference

• Diffraction allows waves to bend around obstacles or spread out after passing through an opening
  • Extent of diffraction depends on the size of the obstacle or opening relative to the wavelength
  • Longer wavelengths experience greater diffraction (low frequencies in sound waves)
• Wave interference occurs when two or more waves overlap and combine their amplitudes
  • Constructive interference results in increased amplitude where crests align (louder sound)
  • Destructive interference results in decreased amplitude where crests align with troughs (quieter sound)