Introduction
Listening to an iPod or
MP3 files is not different
than listening to
cassettes or 8-track
tapes. The way the sound
is generated changes in
tiny ways, but the
method of hearing has
not changed.
,Longitudinal waves show the
sinusoidal pattern
A motion like
the pulses of a
speaker cone
will create
compressions
and
rarefactions in
a medium like
air. After the
pulse patterns
are seen, a
sinusoidal
pattern may be
traced.
, Sound Waves
Sound is a longitudinal wave phenomenon that results in
periodic pressure variations. Sound intensity level is
measured in decibels (dB).
2. The loudness or intensity of a sound depends on its
amplitude and frequency, while the pitch depends primarily
on its frequency. The tone quality or timbre depends on the
harmonic content.
3. The speed of a longitudinal (sound) wave in a fluid
depends on the bulk modulus B and density ρ. In a solid
rod, the speed of sound depends on the density and
Young’s modulus Y.
v = √B/ρ (longitudinal wave in a fluid)
v = √Y/ρ (longitudinal wave in a solid rod)
Listening to an iPod or
MP3 files is not different
than listening to
cassettes or 8-track
tapes. The way the sound
is generated changes in
tiny ways, but the
method of hearing has
not changed.
,Longitudinal waves show the
sinusoidal pattern
A motion like
the pulses of a
speaker cone
will create
compressions
and
rarefactions in
a medium like
air. After the
pulse patterns
are seen, a
sinusoidal
pattern may be
traced.
, Sound Waves
Sound is a longitudinal wave phenomenon that results in
periodic pressure variations. Sound intensity level is
measured in decibels (dB).
2. The loudness or intensity of a sound depends on its
amplitude and frequency, while the pitch depends primarily
on its frequency. The tone quality or timbre depends on the
harmonic content.
3. The speed of a longitudinal (sound) wave in a fluid
depends on the bulk modulus B and density ρ. In a solid
rod, the speed of sound depends on the density and
Young’s modulus Y.
v = √B/ρ (longitudinal wave in a fluid)
v = √Y/ρ (longitudinal wave in a solid rod)
