Sound waves carrying mass and how to measure it

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of sound waves having mass and its relationship to the concept of invariant mass. The participants question how the mass of sound waves is measured and whether it can result in different findings in total darkness. They also bring up the idea of energy transfer and its connection to gravitational force. The conversation mentions the Wikipedia article on invariant mass as a source for further information.
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  • #3
anorlunda said:
Isn't that implicit in the concept of invariant mass?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invariant_mass
ESL. If photons only carrying particles without mass, then how does the energy-transferring-process work at this point?
 
  • #4
itallcomestoenergy said:
ESL. If photons only carrying particles without mass, then how does the energy-transferring-process work at this point?
Nobody mentioned photons.

Energy gravitates. Kinetic energy gravitates. Sound energy is a form of kinetic energy.

The Wikipedia article explains it better than I can.
 

1. What is the concept of sound waves carrying mass?

Sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium, such as air or water, to travel through. As sound waves travel, they create areas of high and low pressure, which result in the movement of particles in the medium. This movement of particles is what we perceive as sound. Therefore, sound waves do carry a small amount of mass in the form of these particles.

2. How can the mass carried by sound waves be measured?

The mass carried by sound waves can be measured indirectly by measuring the change in pressure or displacement of particles in the medium. This can be done using specialized instruments such as microphones or hydrophones, which convert the pressure or displacement into an electrical signal that can be measured.

3. Is the mass carried by sound waves significant?

The mass carried by sound waves is very small and is often considered negligible. The mass of air particles that make up sound waves is approximately 1.2 x 10^-3 grams per cubic centimeter. This means that even a loud sound with a large amplitude would only result in a very small change in mass in the medium.

4. Can sound waves transfer mass from one location to another?

No, sound waves cannot transfer mass from one location to another. While sound waves do carry a small amount of mass, this mass remains in the medium and does not travel with the wave. The wave itself is simply a disturbance that travels through the medium, and the particles in the medium return to their original position after the wave passes.

5. Are there any practical applications of measuring the mass carried by sound waves?

Measuring the mass carried by sound waves can be useful in certain applications, such as in the field of acoustics. For example, in underwater acoustics, measuring the mass carried by sound waves can help in understanding the behavior of sound in the ocean and its effects on marine life. It can also be useful in designing and optimizing audio equipment, such as speakers and microphones, for better sound quality.

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