ljudvågorna

Ljudvågorna, often translated as sound waves, are mechanical waves that travel through a medium such as air, water, or solids. They are generated by vibrations of matter. When an object vibrates, it causes the surrounding particles of the medium to vibrate as well, propagating this disturbance as a wave. These waves consist of compressions, where particles are close together, and rarefactions, where particles are spread apart.

The speed of sound varies depending on the medium's density and elasticity. Sound travels faster in solids than in liquids, and faster in liquids than in gases. For example, sound travels at approximately 343 meters per second in dry air at 20 degrees Celsius. The frequency of a sound wave determines its pitch. Higher frequencies correspond to higher pitches, while lower frequencies correspond to lower pitches. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz), representing cycles per second.

The amplitude of a sound wave relates to its intensity or loudness. Larger amplitudes correspond to louder sounds. Loudness is typically measured in decibels (dB). The human ear can detect sound waves within a specific frequency range, generally from about 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Sounds outside this range are considered ultrasonic (higher frequencies) or infrasonic (lower frequencies). Sound waves can also be reflected, refracted, and diffracted, phenomena that explain echoes and how sound bends around obstacles.