Velocity of the wave
The velocity of the wave is defined as the distance traveled by the sound wave per unit of time. The distance traveled is nothing but the wavelength of the wave. The SI unit of the velocity of the sound wave is meter/second (m/sec).
Velocity of the sound wave = Wavelength/Time period
Velocity of the sound wave = Wavelength × Frequency
v = λ × ν (m/sec)
Amplitude/Loudness (A)
The Amplitude of the wave tells the amount of energy present in the wave. Amplitude is normally known as the loudness of the sound wave is defined by the maximum height (vertically) reached by the wave, the higher the magnitude, the higher will be the loudness. In a sound wave, the magnitude of one rarefaction or compression is defined as the amplitude of that wave.
Also read:
What are the Characteristics of Sound Waves?
Sound is nothing but the vibrations (a form of energy) that propagates in the form of waves through a certain medium. Different types of medium affect the properties of the wave differently.
Does this mean that Sound will not travel if the medium does not exist? Correct. It will not, It is impossible for sound waves to travel in a vacuum.
For different living beings, the audible frequency varies, for example, for humans, Sound waves that lie between the frequency of 20Hz to 20kHz are audible, All the frequencies lesser than this are infrasonic and all the frequencies above this frequency are ultrasonic for humans.
There are so many other characteristics of sound waves that affect the wave and its properties. Let’s take a look at them,
Table of Content
- Sound waves
- Characteristics of Sound waves
- Velocity of the wave
- Sample Problems