Sound waves are mechanical vibrations that travel through matter, transferring energy via . They're characterized by alternating and , requiring a physical medium to propagate. Unlike electromagnetic waves, sound can't travel through a vacuum.
Key properties of sound waves include (), , , and (loudness). The relationship between these factors is crucial for understanding sound behavior. Longitudinal waves, where particles move parallel to the wave direction, are typical for sound in gases and liquids.
Fundamentals of Sound and Acoustics
Nature of sound as mechanical wave
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