Understanding Sound and its Properties

These flashcards cover the key concepts, definitions, and principles related to sound and its properties as discussed in the lecture notes.

What is sound?

A form of energy created by vibrating air molecules, traveling through a medium like air or water.

Sound wave components

Amplitude (volume), frequency (pitch), and wavelength (speed) are the key properties of sound waves.

What is vibration?

A mechanical oscillation or movement that produces sound.

Compression and Rarefaction

Processes in sound waves where air molecules are compressed and then return to their original state.

Positive Phase

The part of a sound wave where air molecules are compressed, representing a positive expenditure of energy.

Negative Phase

The part of a sound wave where air molecules bounce back to their normal state, representing a negative expenditure of energy.

Amplitude

A measure of loudness; the extent of molecular movement in a sound wave.

Sound Pressure Level (SPL)

A quantification of amplitude; changes in loudness correspond to changes in air pressure.

What is Frequency?

The number of cycles of compression and rarefaction per second, determining a sound's pitch.

How is frequency measured?

In Hertz (Hz), which indicates how many wave peaks cycle per second.

Wavelength

The physical distance a wave travels to complete one full cycle, calculated using the equation λ = v/f.

Phase in waveform

The timing relationship between two or more signals in a waveform.

Harmonic Content

The complex interplay of overtones and harmonics that characterize the timbre of a sound.

What is an overtone?

A frequency that results from the interplay of two other frequencies, affecting the sound's color or timbre.

Envelop in sound

The changes in sound over time, including attack, decay, and sustain.