Is there a transmission spectrum for sound in air, not unlike the transmission spectrum for light? Is there a maximum frequency of sound that will travel through air?
2006-08-11 03:40:54 · 2 answers · asked by AskBrian 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The reduction in sound with distance due to the square of the distance is not attenuation, but rather the natural spreading of the sound waves. I am more interested in the actual attenuation spectrum caused by the interaction with the medium (air). I know that we can't hear sounds greater than ~20kHz, but I am still interested in knowing if there is a ultra-sonic cut-off frequency.
2006-08-13 07:30:21 · update #1
Absolutely. The air is compressed and expanded in relation to the frequency and this energy is slowly lost over distance to friction and heat. That's why we have to yell loudly to be heard at a distance. As far as frequency, for all practical purposes (excepting dog whistles and the like) we can't hear frequencies much above 20KH - and that ability tends to diminish with age.
2006-08-11 05:46:43 · answer #1 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There isn't really a maximum frequency that travels through air. THe maximum frequency we can hear is governed by our ears. Our ears can detect frequencies of about 20hz-20khz.
Air infact, is necessary for sound. A sound wave is a series of compressed and decompressed regions of air.
Sound waves that are indectable to the human ear (greater than 20khz) are used for ultrasounds. I don't know much about how those work : )
2006-08-11 04:04:05 · answer #2 · answered by Sean H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋