What is needed to allow sound to move an object

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on how sound waves can exert force on objects, emphasizing that low-frequency sounds may have a more significant impact than high-frequency sounds. The material and shape of the object play crucial roles in determining whether it feels force from sound waves, with resonance amplifying energy absorption. Amplitude also influences the effect of sound waves, as waves of the same frequency can combine to produce higher amplitudes. Real-world examples, such as the sensation of sound from fireworks or the shock wave from an explosion, illustrate these principles. Understanding these factors is essential for applications like acoustic levitation.
u0362565
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I am interested to know what governs whether an object in the path of a sound wave will feel force. For instance will low frequency sound have more of an effect than high frequency? What difference does the material or shape of the object have on whether it would feel any force from the movement of the air. Would an object only feel force if the frequency matches the resonant frequency of the material?

Thanks for the help
 
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u0362565 said:
Would an object only feel force if the frequency matches the resonant frequency of the material?

No. However at resonance the object will usually absorb the most energy from the source.
 
u0362565 said:
I am interested to know what governs whether an object in the path of a sound wave will feel force. For instance will low frequency sound have more of an effect than high frequency? What difference does the material or shape of the object have on whether it would feel any force from the movement of the air. Would an object only feel force if the frequency matches the resonant frequency of the material?

Thanks for the help
Amplitude has some sort of effect, you could fit any wave with different amplitude at any given frequency
Standing-wave05.png


but, it would be a different issue when waves of the same frequency is out of phase 1800

phases_wave5.png

Now which do you think would effect vibrations?
 
u0362565 said:
I am interested to know what governs whether an object in the path of a sound wave will feel force. For instance will low frequency sound have more of an effect than high frequency? What difference does the material or shape of the object have on whether it would feel any force from the movement of the air. Would an object only feel force if the frequency matches the resonant frequency of the material?

Thanks for the help
Also, sum of 2 waves in the same phase would result higher amplitude
dblslit1.gif
 
I am fond of a more everyday example. When you are close enough to a fireworks display, you can feel the explosions thump against your chest.

Enrico Fermi famously dropped a bit of paper when he saw the flash of the Trinity test of the atomic bomb. As the shock wave of sound passed, the falling paper was blown away from the explosion. Then he measured the horizontal displacement of the paper where it hit the ground and he used that to estimate (fairly accurately) the yield of the explosion. Even though Fermi was a physicist, he is my all time favorite engineer.
 
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