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Acoustics Lab

// Sound Wave Particle Simulator — Interactive Physics
SIMULATION RUNNING
Longitudinal Particle Motion
Waveform — Displacement over Time

Wave Parameters

Frequency 2.0 Hz
Amplitude 20 px
Damping None

Propagation Medium

Live Metrics

Wavelength
—m
Period
—s
Wave Speed
343m/s
Intensity
—rel
🔬 Sound is a longitudinal wave — particles oscillate parallel to the direction of propagation, creating alternating compressions and rarefactions.
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Longitudinal
Particles oscillate parallel to wave travel — unlike light (transverse). This is unique to mechanical compression waves.
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Pitch & Frequency
Higher frequency = shorter wavelength = higher pitch. Human hearing spans 20 Hz–20 kHz. Middle C = 261.6 Hz.
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Amplitude & Loudness
Larger displacement amplitude = more energy transferred = louder sound. Intensity ∝ A². Doubling amplitude quadruples intensity.
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Medium & Speed
Sound travels faster through denser, stiffer materials. Steel: ~5960 m/s. Water: ~1480 m/s. Air at 20°C: ~343 m/s.