Do sound waves require air to travel?
2007-01-02 03:23:22 · 7 answers · asked by matt c a 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Sound is a form of energy made when molecules vibrate and move in a pattern called waves, or sound waves. In a vacuum the molucules do not exist to create the pattern of waves.
Therefore, if a tree falls in outerspace, it will not make a sound.
The only contradiction to this concept I can think of is in Washington. There, in the complete vacuum of intelligence, our politicians make nothing but sound.
2007-01-02 03:34:42 · answer #1 · answered by Bill G 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sound waves require a medium to travel. Therefore sound waves cannot travel in a vacuum.
2007-01-02 11:27:01 · answer #2 · answered by Jabberwock 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A sound wave is created by vibrating molecules of some kind. (Air, water, jello, etc.) The vibration travels as a wave and vibrates the inner ear. The inner ear vibration is converted into an electrical signal that you and I refer to as sound. Different vibrations create different sounds. In a vaccuum, no molecules exist, therefore no vibration can occur. Hence, no sound!
2007-01-02 13:04:25 · answer #3 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sound to hear is different ,from sound waves.Energy is in the form of waves the waves are recieved within a acceptable range of the media.so the object which receives is vibrated ,which means the energy is consumed or passed through.so in vaccum sound wave passes ,which can be seen as vibration,but cannot hear.even in air or medium the receiver whether its a living animal or metal shud be sensible to receive the sound energy by vibration .and sound is produced by vibration in air or in any medium.So in vaccum we can see the soundwaves passing thru ,but cant hear.
2007-01-02 11:53:47 · answer #4 · answered by k k 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I bet I hear my ringing hears in a vaccum!!!!!
The other question is no, sound waves travel through water also, so no, there doesn't have to be air for sound waves to travel...
2007-01-02 11:30:53 · answer #5 · answered by chazzer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No
You should be happy. If it was so, you could not bear the sound of a Supernova or ... .
2007-01-02 12:42:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
IT CAN'T and YES!!!
2007-01-02 11:26:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋