What is Sound?

Sound is a sort of energy that moves as a vibration of pressure waves through the air (or through any other medium, such as water or solid objects). Sound waves are produced when the vibration of objects travels through the air to our ears. The eardrum vibrates in reaction to the sound waves being detected by it as they enter our ears. The brain then receives this vibration through the ear and interprets it as sound.

Decibels are used to measure sound (dB). The decibel level rises with increasing volume. A loud rock performance can reach 120 dB, although normal conversation often hovers around 60 dB. When exposed to loud noise for an extended period of time, it’s necessary to protect your ears in order to prevent hearing loss.

The space between one compression and the next when a wave is formed is referred to as the wavelength. The shorter the wavelength and higher the frequency, the faster the sound waves pass a particular place. In a given medium, sound waves of all frequencies move at the same speed. (Sound waves move more quickly in solid media; in dry air at 0 C, they move at a pace of 1200 km/h, or 331.6 MPS.)

While sound moves through steel at roughly 5,200 metres per second, sound moves through the air at over 340 metres per second. The sound speed, or Mach 1, is 770 mph.

• In a longitudinal wave, the sound is a wave.
• To travel, sound needs a medium.
• An amplitude (volume), frequency (pitch), wavelength (speed), etc., are all characteristics of waves.