Experimentobtaining sound from molecules

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    Molecules Sound
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of generating sound from molecular interactions, exploring the relationship between electromagnetic wave frequencies and sound frequencies. Participants consider theoretical frameworks and practical implications, including thermal noise generation and the mapping of electromagnetic principles to acoustic phenomena.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant wonders if sound can be created from molecular interactions, suggesting that increasing the velocity in the equation E=hv could yield audible frequencies.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of thermal noise generated by electronic components, noting that while it can produce sound, it would primarily be white noise.
  • A participant clarifies that E=hv relates to the frequency of electromagnetic waves and is not directly applicable to sound waves.
  • One participant questions the mapping of electromagnetic frequencies to sound frequencies, seeking clarification on the connection between E=hv and molecular interactions.
  • Another participant acknowledges the use of electromagnetic waves in sound transmission through radio but indicates that the proposed method differs from established techniques.
  • A participant notes similarities between optical and acoustic wave formulas, mentioning that the speed of sound replaces the speed of light in acoustic contexts, but emphasizes the distinct nature of the two frequency scales.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between electromagnetic frequencies and sound, with some questioning the applicability of E=hv to sound generation. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives on the feasibility of the proposed ideas.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made regarding the relationship between electromagnetic and acoustic phenomena, as well as the practical aspects of generating sound from molecular interactions. The discussion also highlights the need for clarity on the definitions and contexts of the terms used.

Treacle
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Was just wondering whether or not it was at all possible to create "sound" from molecule interactions, and if so how would I go about it?
I was going on the theory that if E=hv then a frequency is obtained when this equation is applied and as sound is theoretically a frequency (movement of particles) .. would it not be possible to slow down and increase 'v' in order to get an audible frequency as 'sound' ?

Is this at all possible-just thinking out loud and wondering :smile:

If it was..then how would I go about it?
 
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Not quite what you asked for but...

Any electronic component that's not at absolute zero generates thermal noise.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnson–Nyquist_noise

http://www.daycounter.com/Calculators/Thermal-Noise-Calculator.phtml

It wouldn't be very interesting to listen to, essentially white noise.

You could build a thermal noise generator that simply amplifies the noise produced by a resistor. High gain is required so several stages of amplification might be necessary instead of trying to do it with a single stage (max gain of an op-amp is limited by it's non-ideal properties - such as DC offset). You would be able to hear those components in the audio range, but obviously not those outside it.
 
Last edited:
E=hv tells us that the energy of a photon is equal to the frequency of the EM wave (v) times Plancks constant (h). It is not related to the frequency of a sound wave.
 
I understand that the equation gives the frequency of an EM wave but was thinking about mapping that onto a sound frequency ? Do you think that may work?
 
Treacle said:
I understand that the equation gives the frequency of an EM wave but was thinking about mapping that onto a sound frequency ? Do you think that may work?

I'm not sure what exactly you are looking for. What does E=hv and molecules have to do with this? Keep in mind we already use EM waves to transfer sound through radio, although the technique is a little different than what you seem to be proposing.
 
A lot of the optical and acoustic wave formulas work the same, except that
in the acoustic world "c" becomes the speed of sound in the medium in question.
Beyond that there in not much overlap. Some of the real long wavelength IR
may produce some secondary sound (popping of a microwave heated object),
but I don't think that is what you are asking.
The two frequency scales may overlap, but are different affects.
 

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