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JEE Main 2026 Preparation: Question Papers, Solutions, Mock Tests & Strategy Unacademy » JEE Study Material » Physics » Sound waves need medium propagation

Sound waves need medium propagation

In this article we will discuss the sound waves propagation, do waves require a medium, how do sound waves propagate in a medium and more.

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A sound is a type of energy that causes our ears to develop a sense of hearing. The vibration of any item causes sound to be produced. Take, for example, how sound is produced in human beings when the vocal cords vibrate. The to-and-fro movement of the particles of an elastic body is known as vibration. Sound is produced by the vibration of an object, and sounds require a medium to be heard. A medium is a substance that transmits sound and can be liquid, gaseous, or solid.

Sound waves

Waves are a type of disruption that allows energy to move from one location to another. Surface waves on the ocean are the most well-known, but sound, mild, and the movement of subatomic particles all have wavelike qualities. The disturbance oscillates with a predetermined frequency and wavelength inside the most effective waves.

A vibrating source, such as the human vocal cords, a guitar string, the prongs of a tuning fork, or the diaphragm of a loudspeaker, produces sound, which is a mechanical three-dimensional and longitudinal wave. Mechanical vibrations are also a source of energy. As a result, sound waves require a medium to propagate. For propagation, sound cannot move through a medium. In a vacuum, sound cannot travel. Sound waves travel through solids, liquids, and gases as longitudinal mechanical waves.

Properties of Sound Wave

It is the type of energy that causes us to have the sensation of hearing. Sound waves have a variety of qualities, which are listed below:

The nature of a sound wave is that it is longitudinal.

Its propagation necessitates the use of a material medium.

It is possible for sound waves to be reflected.

It demonstrates the occurrence of interference.

Diffraction can be seen in sound waves.

The speed at which sound travels is substantially slower than the speed at which light travels.

Sound is absorbed by the medium it travels through.

Wave Motion

Wave motion is a type of motion in which the disturbance passes from one medium point to another but the medium particles do not. The energy being transferred from one particle to another/neighbouring particle is carried by the wave. The medium must have inertia and elasticity for waves to propagate. The disturbance (Wave) is conveyed from particle to particle due to the oscillation of the particles at their own place, which might be induced externally or internally.

Sound waves need medium propagation

Sound is a wave-like kind of energy that may be conveyed. The wave is made up of the vibrations of the particles in the medium it travels through. Vibrations in an object will not travel through it if there is no intermediary. Solids, liquids, and gases can all carry sound. Some materials (such as air and water) easily transmit sound waves, whilst others (such as blankets and drapes) absorb the majority of the incident sound energy. The square-root of the medium’s density has an inverse relationship with sound speed.

Because sound waves are carried from one point to another by the molecules of solids, liquids, and gases, they require a material medium such as solid, liquid, or gas to travel. Sound is a series of pressure waves that travel through compressible substances like air or water. (Sound can also travel through solids, but there are different routes of transmission.) Waves can be reflected, refracted, or attenuated by the medium during their transmission. The goal of this experiment is to see what effect the medium’s qualities have on sound.The behaviour of sound propagation is affected by three features of all media:

1. The relationship between pressure and density. The speed of sound within the medium is determined by this connection, which is influenced by temperature.

2. The medium’s own motion, such as wind. If the medium moves, the sound is transmitted further, regardless of how fast the sound travels through it.

3.The medium’s viscosity is the third factor to consider. The rate at which sound is attenuated is determined by this. Attenuation owing to viscosity is insignificant in many mediums, such as air or water.

Conclusion

A sound is a type of energy that causes our ears to develop a sense of hearing. sounds require a medium to be heard.  A medium is a substance that transmits sound and can be liquid, gaseous, or solid. Waves are a type of disruption that allows energy to move from one location to another. Mechanical vibrations are also a source of energy. Wave motion is a type of motion in which the disturbance passes from one medium point to another but the medium particles do not. Sound is a wave-like kind of energy that may be conveyed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the JEE Examination Preparation.

Define sound wave.

Ans: A sound wave is the pattern of disturbance generated by the flow of energy as it propagates away from the sourc...Read full

Is sound required a medium?

Ans: Because sound waves are carried from one point to another by the molecules of solids, liquids, and gases, they ...Read full

Why sound not travel in vacuum?

Ans: Because there are no molecules in the vacuum that can vibrate and convey sound waves, sound cannot travel throu...Read full

Which medium sound travels faster?

Ans: In solid.

Ans: A sound wave is the pattern of disturbance generated by the flow of energy as it propagates away from the source of the sound across a medium (such as air, water, or any other liquid or solid matter). The source is a vibration-producing object, such as a ringing phone or a person’s vocal chords.

 

Ans: Because sound waves are carried from one point to another by the molecules of solids, liquids, and gases, they require a material medium such as solid, liquid, or gas to travel.

Ans: Because there are no molecules in the vacuum that can vibrate and convey sound waves, sound cannot travel through it.

Ans: In solid.

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