Sound waves are mechanical longitudinal waves that require a medium (such as air, water, or solids) to travel. They consist of alternating compressions and rarefactions, where particles of the medium are pushed together or pulled apart.
The frequency of a sound wave determines its pitch, while the amplitude determines its loudness.
The speed of sound depends on the medium through which it travels. It is generally fastest in solids, slower in liquids, and slowest in gases. Temperature also affects the speed of sound, especially in gases like air.
The formula for the speed of a wave is:
\[ v = f \lambda \]
As temperature increases, the speed of sound in a gas also increases due to faster molecular motion.
Written by Thenura Dilruk