The Physics of Sound

In this chapter you will:

Describe sound in terms of wave properties and behavior. Examine some of the sources of sound. Explain properties that differentiate between music and noise.

Sound Waves

Sound is an important part of existence for many living things. From your everyday experiences, you already are familiar with several of the characteristics of sound, including volume, tone, and pitch.

A vibrating bell

As the bell moves back and forth, the edge of the bell strikes particles in the air.

Sound Production
Pressure variation transmitted through matter is a sound wave. The air particles collide, transmitting the pressure variations away from the source of the sound.

Speed of Sound
The speed of sound in air depends on the temperature, with the speed increasing by about 0.6 m/s for each 1C increase in air temperature. At room temperature (20C), sound moves through air at sea level at a speed of 343 m/s.

Sound Properties

Reflected sound are echoes. Sound interference causes dead spots

The frequency and wavelength of a sound are related to the equation = v/f.

Perceiving Sound

Most people cannot hear sounds with frequencies below 20 Hz or above 16,000 Hz. Older people are less sensitive to frequencies above 10,000 Hz. By age 70, most people cannot hear sounds with frequencies above 8000 Hz.

Loudness of the sound

Intensity is proportional to the square of the amplitude of a sound wave. Sound intensity is objective and is measured by instruments. Loudness, is a physiological sensation sensed in the brain. Loudness is subjective but it is related to sound intensity. Unit of intensity for sound is the decibel (dB).

Ex.) Oscilloscope measures sound.