MadSci Network: Other |
Hello, Any kind of wave transmission require two converse (orthogonal) forms of energy, one which automatically converts into the other and back again. For electromagnetic waves these are the electrical and magnetic fields. A change in electrical field causes a buildup in magnetic field, a change in magnetic field causes a buildup in electrical field. In case of sound, these two are pressure and speed (speed of motion of individual molecules), where relating to your question pressure is potential (non-moving) and speed is kinetic (moving) energy. When a wave passes through, a change in air speed will cause a compression or rarefaction of the air. As the air later tries to relax to its base state again it will push on the surrounding air (or pull at it) again causing motion. In a succession of pushes and pulls the "two waves" (pressure and speed) will make their way through the medium. Kind regards, Bruno
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