Vacuum & Sound: What Happens to Energy?

In summary, sound waves will get reflected back when they hit a vacuum due to the lack of a medium for the wave to vibrate against. However, in a nebula, there are other winds and shock waves that can also be considered sound. For more information on the interstellar speed of sound, check out the provided thread and similar discussions.
  • #1
Lmlodninja
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What happens to sound when it hits a vacuum? Because there is nothing for the sound wave to vibrate against, what happens to the energy?
 
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  • #2
The sound wave will get reflected back.
 
  • #4
Anorlunda, what I mean by sound is vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person's or animal's ear.
 

1. What is a vacuum?

A vacuum is a space that is completely devoid of matter, including air molecules. It is a region with very low pressure compared to its surrounding environment.

2. How does sound travel through a vacuum?

Sound cannot travel through a vacuum because it requires a medium, such as air or water, to propagate. In a vacuum, there is no medium for sound waves to travel through, so they cannot be heard.

3. Can energy be transferred through a vacuum?

Yes, energy can be transferred through a vacuum via electromagnetic radiation, such as light and heat. This type of energy does not require a medium to propagate and can travel through a vacuum.

4. What happens to sound energy in a vacuum?

In a vacuum, sound energy dissipates quickly due to the absence of a medium to carry the sound waves. As a result, sound energy is unable to be transmitted over long distances in a vacuum.

5. Are there any exceptions to sound not being able to travel through a vacuum?

Yes, there is one known exception to sound not being able to travel through a vacuum: gravitational waves. These waves, which are produced by massive bodies in space, can propagate through a vacuum and have been detected by specialized instruments on Earth.

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