Compressions and rarefactions of a sound wave

In summary, the speaker has multiple questions regarding sound waves and their characteristics. They are unsure about the definitions of nodes and antinodes, as well as the relationship between loud and quiet points on a graph. They provide their own attempt at labeling a graph and ask for clarification on the correct labels. They also mention being unsure about the interpretation of the y-axis on the graph.
  • #1
Nauraushaun
16
0

Homework Statement


Well it's not so much a direct question as it is several.
I'm very confused about sound waves. I know that, when modeled as a transverse wave on a set of axis, a compression is a maximum and a rarefaction is a minimum. But where do nodes and antinodes fit into this? Which is a node, which is an antinode?
What's more, I'm even more confused about actual loud points. Are compressions and rarefactions considered to be loud points, meaning the point in the middle is a quiet point?


The Attempt at a Solution


See attached image.
You can see that I had a go at labelling the wave myself. Could someone please replace my labels with the correct ones?
Thanks very much.
 

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  • #2
Nauraushaun said:

Homework Statement


Well it's not so much a direct question as it is several.
I'm very confused about sound waves. I know that, when modeled as a transverse wave on a set of axis, a compression is a maximum and a rarefaction is a minimum. But where do nodes and antinodes fit into this? Which is a node, which is an antinode?

Well, what are the definitions of a node/antinode?

What's more, I'm even more confused about actual loud points. Are compressions and rarefactions considered to be loud points, meaning the point in the middle is a quiet point?

What's plotted on the y-axis of this graph?
 
  • #3
I'm not sure about the definitions! Therein lies the problem :D

Well, it depends how you interpret it. It's got the X axis, which could be seen as 0. On a Voltage vs. time graph, both maximums and minimums are 'high' points of voltage, so this could be the same.
On the other hand, the notion of a minimum suggests it's very little sound, and I was sure rarefactions were quiet points, being the absence of particles, but it's hard to visualize.
 

FAQ: Compressions and rarefactions of a sound wave

1. What is a compression in a sound wave?

A compression in a sound wave is a region where the molecules of the medium are pushed closer together, resulting in a higher pressure and amplitude of the wave.

2. How do rarefactions affect sound waves?

Rarefactions are regions in a sound wave where the molecules of the medium are spread farther apart, resulting in a lower pressure and amplitude of the wave. This creates a decrease in sound intensity.

3. What is the relationship between frequency and the distance between compressions in a sound wave?

The frequency of a sound wave is directly related to the distance between compressions. As the frequency increases, the distance between compressions decreases, resulting in a higher pitch of the sound.

4. How do compressions and rarefactions travel in a sound wave?

Compressions and rarefactions travel through a medium in a longitudinal wave, meaning that the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave's motion.

5. Can compressions and rarefactions be seen in a sound wave?

No, compressions and rarefactions cannot be seen in a sound wave as they are changes in pressure and not physical objects. However, they can be detected and measured using specialized equipment.

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