This discussion centers on the mechanics of sound propagation, specifically the phenomenon that low-frequency sound waves travel farther than high-frequency waves. Participants clarify that while all sound waves travel at the same speed in an ideal gas, higher frequencies experience greater attenuation, leading to a quicker drop in intensity over distance. The conversation also touches on the relationship between sound pressure, amplitude, and perceived loudness, emphasizing that energy is related to amplitude rather than frequency. Key resources include Wikipedia articles on sound waves and sound intensity.
PREREQUISITESAcoustics enthusiasts, audio engineers, sound designers, and anyone interested in the physics of sound propagation and its practical applications.
jarednjames said:You are describing a water wave as a sine wave - transverse wave. Sound is not a transverse wave and so you can't describe it the same way as water is displaced in peaks and troughs.
You can describe sound as it would be represented as a sine wave but can't compare the motion of water molecules to air particles.
Ok here is what I know so far sound is a pressure wave which is molecules vibrating back and forth and the wave is measured by the distance between two compressed or expanded areas.
Whats the next logical step before I can understand attenuation of different frequencies?
jarednjames said:Correct
As per pythagoreans response.