Can Sound Waves Make Objects Hover?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter kaffe
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Vibration
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the possibility of using sound waves or vibrations to make objects hover. It includes considerations of the underlying physics, potential methods, and the feasibility of such a project.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Kaffe proposes a project involving intense shock waves or sound waves to achieve object levitation, expressing curiosity about the mechanics behind vibrations and their effects on objects.
  • One participant suggests that while an object can appear to levitate on a vibrating surface, it is actually being pushed into the air rather than truly hovering.
  • Another participant points out that vibrations inherently involve two-way motion, questioning the feasibility of achieving a consistent upward motion necessary for true levitation.
  • A later reply encourages Kaffe to keep an open mind and learn from the community, emphasizing the speculative nature of the technology being discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of using sound waves for levitation, with some suggesting it is possible under certain conditions while others highlight fundamental limitations in achieving true hovering.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the technical challenges associated with sound wave-induced levitation, nor does it clarify the assumptions regarding the nature of vibrations and their effects on objects.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in experimental physics, sound technology, and speculative applications of vibration and frequency in levitation may find this discussion relevant.

kaffe
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Hi! I am new. Please call me Kaffe.

I am a theologian of the Extraterrestrial Presence and my studies have led me to Physics and the Science of Frequency and Vibration. I have been thinking about developing a project over the summer to see if I can get an object to hover using intense shock waves/sound waves.

I am not a physics major but the above has led me to go into the the field of physics... alas, I am a graphic design major and studio art minor :D

Anyway, at one point in my life I have seen an object being hit (preferably like a cymbal) and the vibrations make it move up and down... is this accurate? How is this created... the intensity of the shock waves from the object hitting another object? Could it be possible to have a repelling electromagnetic field and with a wavering object to keep it steady? Thoughts?

Please excuse my lack of knowledge in physics... only trying to understand possibilities.
Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, you can probably get an object to appear to levitate on top of a vibrating object, but really the object will be hitting it to push it into the air. Try turning a big speaker on its side and dropping small objects (rice, perhaps) onto the cone of the speaker driver.
 
The problem with any kind of vibration (sound, light, radio waves, microwaves - even Brownian motion) is that it's two way. Things shake from side-to-side or up-down.
They never go up-up-up-up, which is what you need.

But then, I'm only a human, I wouldn't know would I?
 
I would say, good for you, for coming here.

An open mind is a good thing, learn all you can from this site, and form your own opinions on such "speculative" technology.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad How far do vibrations from a vehicle emanate?Doppler effect?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School Can sound travel through clay?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Graduate Vibrations of a circular membrane with free ends
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
Undergrad Understanding the propagation of sound on molecular Scale
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Calculating the Force of a Sound Wave on an Object
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K
High School Find 3D Models of Waves | Get Creative with 4D Displays
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Graduate Focus all of your ire on me, if you would
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Can Muons Propel Objects in Science Fiction?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Undergrad EM waves have no mass but they do have momentum?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
Undergrad Sound pressure and inverse distance law
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K