PHYS 117 Chapter Notes - Chapter 14: 30 Foot Fall, Transverse Wave, Sound
Document Summary
Compression: region of high molecular density and high air pressure. Sound waves in fluids can only be longitudinal. Sound waves can either be transverse or longitudinal. The motion of the elements of the medium in a longitudinal sound wave is back and forth along the direction in which the sound travels (parallel) In a transverse wave, the vibration of the elements of the medium are at right angles to the direction of travel of the wave (perpendicular) Audible waves: longitudinal waves with long wavelengths within the range of sensitivity of the human ear. Infrasonic waves: longitudinal waves with frequencies below the audible range. Ultrasonic waves: longitudinal waves with frequencies above the audible range for humans and are produced by certain types of whistles, shorter wavelengths. Piezoelectric effect: method of transforming electrical energy into mechanical energy; reversible. Speed of sound wave in a fluid depends on the fluid"s compressibility and inertia.
