What Generates Sound Waves and How Do They Travel Through Different Mediums?

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Sound waves are generated by vibrations that travel through a medium, such as air or steel, and these vibrations create alternating zones of high and low pressure. In a vacuum, sound cannot propagate because there is no medium to carry the pressure waves, although the initial vibrations still occur. The energy from these vibrations remains in the object, potentially causing it to heat up, as there is no air to dissipate the energy as sound. The mechanics of sound generation involve the disturbance of air molecules or other mediums, which is essential for sound to be perceived. Ultimately, sound exists as vibrations, but it is only classified as sound when it is detected by the human ear.
  • #31
DaveC426913 said:
I was correcting what I think was a typo:
I know. I wax hoping it wax a joke. :biggrin:
 
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