What are the characteristics of sound waves?

Sound waves are characterised by their frequency, wavelength, speed, amplitude, and direction of propagation.

Sound waves are a type of mechanical wave that require a medium (like air, water, or a solid substance) to travel through. They are produced by a vibrating source, such as a musical instrument or a person's vocal cords. The characteristics of sound waves include their frequency, wavelength, speed, amplitude, and direction of propagation.

The frequency of a sound wave refers to the number of vibrations per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). It determines the pitch of the sound; a high frequency results in a high-pitched sound, while a low frequency results in a low-pitched sound.

The wavelength of a sound wave is the distance between two consecutive compressions or rarefactions. It is inversely proportional to the frequency; high-frequency sounds have short wavelengths, while low-frequency sounds have long wavelengths.

The speed of sound is the rate at which the wave travels through a medium. It depends on the temperature, humidity, and pressure of the medium. For example, sound travels faster in solids than in liquids, and faster in liquids than in gases.

The amplitude of a sound wave is the maximum displacement of the particles of the medium from their rest position. It determines the loudness of the sound; a large amplitude results in a loud sound, while a small amplitude results in a soft sound.

Lastly, the direction of propagation of a sound wave is the direction in which the wave is moving. In most cases, sound waves spread out in all directions from the source. However, they can be focused in a specific direction, such as in the case of ultrasound waves.