Sound waves review guide

Sound

mechanical vibrations transmitted through an elastic medium, traveling in air at a speed of approximately 1,087 feet (331 meters) per second at sea level.

Vibrations

instinctive feelings supposedly influencing human communication

Speaker

an electroacoustic device, often housed in a cabinet, that is connected as a component in an audio system, its function being to make speech or music audible

eletromagnetic force

The fundamental force associated with electric and magnetic fields. The electromagnetic force is carried by the photon and is responsible for atomic structure, chemical reactions, the attractive and repulsive forces associated with electrical charge and magnetism, and all other electromagnetic phenomena. Like gravity, the electromagnetic force has an infinite range and obeys the inverse-square law. The electromagnetic force is weaker than the strong nuclear force but stronger than the weak force and gravity. Some scientists believe that the electromagnetic force and the weak nuclear force are both aspects of a single force called the electroweak force.

Crest

the highest point or level; climax; culmination

Trough

the lowest point, especially in an economic cycle.

Wavelength

the distance, measured in the direction of propagation of a wave, between two successive points in the wave that are characterized by the same phase of oscillation.

Amplitude 

the maximum deviation of an alternating current from its average value

Frequency

the number of periods or regularly occurring events of any given kind in unit of time, usually in one second

Rest line

Pitch

to set at a particular pitch, or determine the key or keynote of (a melody

Echolocation

the sonarlike system used by dolphins, bats, and other animals to detect and locate objects by emitting usually high-pitched sounds that reflect off the object and return to the animal's ears or other sensory receptors

volume

the degree of sound intensity or audibility; loudness.

Compression Wave

a shock wave that compresses the medium through which it is transmitted.

Wave speed

other names for phase speed

Medium

a middle state or condition; mean.

Thunder

any loud, resounding noise.