Sound Waves

INTRODUCTION

A sound wave is a mechanical disturbance that propagates through a medium such as air, water, or solids, carrying energy and information via oscillations of pressure and particle displacement. It encompasses a broad range of frequencies, including those audible to humans (20 Hz to 20 kHz) as well as infrasound and ultrasound, and is fundamental to numerous applications in communication, music, and environmental monitoring.  (More Information)

CLASSIFICATION

Sound waves can be categorized based on their frequency range as follows:

• Audible Sound Waves: Falling within the human hearing spectrum of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, these waves encompass the sounds of daily life, from speech and music to environmental sounds.

• Infrasound Waves: With frequencies below 20 Hz, infrasound waves are imperceptible to humans but can carry over long distances and through various mediums. They are used in studying natural phenomena and monitoring environmental conditions.

• Ultrasound Waves: Frequencies above 20 kHz, beyond human hearing, are utilized in numerous applications, from medical diagnostics (e.g., ultrasonography) to industrial cleaning and materials testing.