Sound waves are a result of vibrations that travel through a medium, such as air, water, or solids. They are characterized by three important properties:
Wavelength: Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points of a wave that are in phase. It is usually represented by the symbol λ (lambda) and is measured in meters (m). For example, a typical wavelength for audible sound ranges from a few centimeters to a few meters.
Frequency: Frequency refers to the number of complete vibrations or cycles of a wave that occur in one second. It is measured in hertz (Hz) and is represented by the symbol f. The human range of hearing typically falls between 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). For example, a tuning fork vibrating at a frequency of 440 Hz produces the musical note A.
Amplitude: Amplitude is the measure of the magnitude or intensity of a sound wave. It corresponds to the maximum displacement of particles in the medium from their equilibrium position. A higher amplitude indicates a louder sound.
Understanding these properties of sound waves is vital as they determine how sound behaves and interacts with the environment. For instance, longer wavelengths tend to produce lower-pitched sounds, while shorter wavelengths result in higher pitches. The frequency of a sound wave determines its pitch, with higher frequencies corresponding to higher pitches. Amplitude, on the other hand, affects the loudness or volume of a sound. It is worth noting that these properties of sound waves can be manipulated to create various auditory experiences, such as in music production and sound engineering.