The Mystery Behind Atoms Vibrating & Sound Creation

Therefore, hot objects do not make a sound. In summary, hot objects do not make a sound because the random collisions of air molecules with the object do not create a collective motion that is necessary for sound waves to travel.
  • #1
derek10
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Hi
Likely a stupid question.
If atoms vibrate with heat, why don't hot objects make a sound, i.e transferring vibrations to the surround atoms (air) into our eardrums?

They vibrate on ultra-infra sound? Or it's a extremely weak sound? or this is not the same vibration as the cause for sound? or they vibrate chaotically and interfering?

Googling led me to news about "listening" to atoms vibrations but that doesn't really answer this!

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
derek10 said:
If atoms vibrate with heat, why don't hot objects make a sound, i.e transferring vibrations to the surround atoms (air) into our eardrums?

Sound is generated by the collective motion of a large number of molecules moving at the same time in the same way. The collisions of the air molecules with a hot object are too random to create a sound wave.
 
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1. What are atoms and how do they vibrate?

Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter. They are composed of a nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons, and electrons orbiting around the nucleus. These electrons are constantly in motion, creating a vibration within the atom. This vibration is due to the attraction between the electrons and the positively charged nucleus.

2. How does the vibration of atoms create sound?

When atoms vibrate, they create a disturbance in the surrounding medium, such as air or water. This disturbance travels through the medium in the form of waves, which we perceive as sound. The frequency of the vibrations determines the pitch of the sound, while the amplitude determines the volume.

3. What factors affect the vibration of atoms?

The vibration of atoms can be affected by temperature, pressure, and the surrounding environment. At higher temperatures, atoms have more energy and vibrate faster. Changes in pressure can also affect the distance between atoms and their ability to vibrate. The type of material that the atoms are in can also impact their vibration, as different materials have different atomic structures and properties.

4. How is sound created in different musical instruments?

Different musical instruments produce sound in different ways, but they all rely on the vibration of atoms to create sound. For example, in a guitar, the strings vibrate when plucked, creating sound waves that are amplified by the body of the guitar. In a brass instrument, such as a trumpet, sound is created by blowing air through a mouthpiece, causing the air to vibrate and create sound waves.

5. Can sound be created without the vibration of atoms?

No, sound cannot be created without the vibration of atoms. As mentioned earlier, sound is produced by the disturbance of a medium caused by the vibration of atoms. Without atoms vibrating, there would be no disturbance in the medium and therefore no sound.

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