Can colored gas help us see sound waves?

  • Thread starter acesuv
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Sound
In summary, the conversation discusses the nature of sound as waves in a medium, the possibility of detecting sound visually using colored gas or small particles, and various techniques for visualizing sound waves such as cymatics, lasers, and schlieren photography. The article and journal mentioned also explore different methods for visualizing and measuring sound waves, including using soap films and acousto-optical devices. The potential applications and uses of these techniques are also mentioned.
  • #1
acesuv
63
0
I hear that sound is waves in a medium (ie air). So, like, the source of sound is something which creates waves in air? If this is the case, could be detect sound visually with a colored gas (similar to how aerodynamics is studied in wind tunnels)?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I guess colored gas is possible, but small particles in the air are easier. It is possible to detect sound by their motion, but most sound sources will give a really tiny motion.
 
  • #3
Cymatics (from Greek: κῦμα "wave") is the study of visible sound and vibration
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymatics

Sound Waves Visualized with a Chladni Plate and Colored Sand [Video]
http://www.howtogeek.com/131159/sound-waves-visualized-with-a-chladni-plate-and-colored-sand-video/

'Seeing sound': 5 remarkable examples of cymatics and beyond
Summary: The application of cymatics is wide-reaching and includes artists and DIY experimenters alike looking to uncover the nature of sound--often resulting in great eye candy. The following is a mixed bag of 5 remarkable sound visualizations from around the world.
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/emergingt...markable-examples-of-cymatics-and-beyond/2126

European Journal of Physics Volume 28 Number 4
F Elias et al 2007 Eur. J. Phys. 28 755 doi:10.1088/0143-0807/28/4/014
Visualization of sound waves using regularly spaced soap films
F Elias1, S Hutzler2 and M S Ferreira2
Abstract
“We describe a novel demonstration experiment for the visualization and measurement of standing sound waves in a tube. The tube is filled with equally spaced soap films whose thickness varies in response to the amplitude of the sound wave. The thickness variations are made visible based on optical interference. The distance between two antinodes is easily measured using a ruler and the determined wavelengths of the modes of the standing wave are in excellent agreement with the theory.”
http://iopscience.iop.org/0143-0807/28/4/014
 
  • #4
You can also map out sound "fields" in 3D using lasers, this is e.g. used to study sound propagation from speakers.
 
  • #5
Most sound waves you encounter in daily like are not standing waves so even if you could see them in the air they would move past you very fast.

If you look on youtube you can see shock waves traveling outwards from various explosions. These are essentially very loud sound impulses.
 
  • #7
Given a sufficient amplitude you can see sound waves using schlieren photography.
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person

1. How do we visually detect sound?

Visual detection of sound is achieved through a process called sound-to-image conversion. This involves using specialized equipment, such as a high-speed camera or a laser vibrometer, to capture the physical vibrations of sound waves and convert them into visible images.

2. What types of equipment are used to visually detect sound?

As mentioned earlier, specialized equipment such as high-speed cameras and laser vibrometers are commonly used to visually detect sound. Other equipment that may be used include microphones, stroboscopes, and spectrum analyzers.

3. Can we visually detect all types of sound?

No, not all types of sound can be visually detected. In order for sound to be visible, it must produce physical vibrations that can be captured and converted into images. High-pitched or low-intensity sounds may not produce enough vibrations to be visually detected.

4. What are the applications of visually detecting sound?

There are many applications for visually detecting sound, including studying the movement of sound waves, analyzing the quality of musical instruments, and detecting flaws in machinery or structures that produce sound.

5. Is visually detecting sound a reliable method?

Yes, when done correctly with the appropriate equipment, visually detecting sound can be a reliable method. However, it is important to note that it is not a perfect method and may have limitations depending on the type and intensity of the sound being detected.

Similar threads

Replies
31
Views
719
  • Mechanics
Replies
19
Views
6K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
997
Replies
49
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
4K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • Mechanics
Replies
6
Views
2K
Back
Top