Sound - Characteristics of Sound Waves

Sound is a longitudinal wave that propagates through a medium as a series of compressions (high-pressure regions) and rarefactions (low-pressure regions).

Wavelength ($λ$): The distance between two consecutive compressions or two consecutive rarefactions. Its SI unit is meter ($m$).

Frequency ($ν$): The number of complete oscillations per unit time. It represents how frequently the sound wave repeats. Its SI unit is Hertz ($Hz$).

Time Period ($T$): The time taken by two consecutive compressions or rarefactions to cross a fixed point. It is the reciprocal of frequency: $T = \frac{1}{\nu}$.

Amplitude ($A$): The magnitude of the maximum disturbance in the medium on either side of the mean value. It determines the loudness of the sound.

Pitch: A characteristic of sound determined by the frequency. A higher frequency corresponds to a higher pitch (shrill sound), while a lower frequency corresponds to a lower pitch (bass sound).

Loudness: A sensation that depends on the intensity of sound and the sensitivity of the ear. It is proportional to the square of the amplitude: $Loudness \propto A^2$.

Speed of Sound ($v$): The distance which a point on a wave, such as a compression or a rarefaction, travels per unit time.