What Is Sound? - Understood at Atomic Level

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SUMMARY

Sound is defined as a wave in pressure, resulting from fluctuations in air pressure caused by the compression and rarefaction of air molecules. At the atomic level, sound is produced by the movement and collisions of atoms and electrons, which can be measured as energy transfer. Friction is not necessary for sound production, as sound is fundamentally a result of normal stress rather than shear stress. Understanding sound requires a grasp of pressure dynamics at both macro and micro levels.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics
  • Knowledge of atomic structure and interactions
  • Familiarity with pressure concepts in physics
  • Basic principles of sound propagation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of wave mechanics in detail
  • Explore atomic interactions and their effects on sound production
  • Study the relationship between pressure and sound waves
  • Investigate sound propagation in different mediums
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, acoustics researchers, and anyone interested in the fundamental properties of sound and its atomic interactions.

mkbh_10
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What exactly is SOUND ? I have read in many books as describing it as the energy carried by fluctuation of air pressure of correct extent & rapidity or compression & rarefaction of air molecules but i want to know what exactly happens at micro level , at atomic level , out of curiosity what will happen when atoms or electron collide , is sound produced , can it be measured ? Is it a property of macro level ? IS friction necessary to produce sound ?
 
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mkbh_10 said:
What exactly is SOUND ? I have read in many books as describing it as the energy carried by fluctuation of air pressure of correct extent & rapidity or compression & rarefaction of air molecules but i want to know what exactly happens at micro level , at atomic level , out of curiosity what will happen when atoms or electron collide , is sound produced , can it be measured ? Is it a property of macro level ? IS friction necessary to produce sound ?
Do you understand what pressure is "at a micro level"? If so, then sound is essentially just a wave in the pressure.

Friction is not really relevant to sound. Basically friction is due to shear stress, while pressure is due to normal stress.
 


Sound is like touch. Touch is movement sensed by your skin, sound is movement sensed by your ear.
 

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