Sound is a physical phenomenon that stimulates the sense of hearing, but it is also known as the particular way of sound that a certain thing has. The vibrations that material bodies produce when they are hit or brushed are transmitted through an elastic medium where they propagate in the form of waves and when they reach our ears, they produce the sound sensation. One sound differs from another by its perceptual characteristics, these are, its intensity that can be strong or weak, its tone that can be low and high and, finally, its timbre.
What is sound
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This term comes from the Latin sonitus, whose meaning by analogy means chirping, noise or roar. In physics, the term refers to a phenomenon that involves the transmission of mechanical waves that may or may not be audible, this generally occurs through fluids or elastic media that generate the vibratory movement of a given body.
Now, when it comes to sounds audible by humans, it refers to the sound and acoustic waves produced by air pressure oscillations converted into mechanical waves that are perceived by the human brain.
Sound mechanics
This mechanics is studied through acoustics, which studies the propagation of sound waves, their speed and perception, which could make direct reference to sound effects.
Sound propagation
Sound waves are not transmitted in a vacuum because a material medium is needed for vibrations to propagate. Humanity has managed to transmit noise over great distances by converting sound waves into radio waves, which travel through space and become sound either from radio or television, as well as into electrical impulses that are conducted by cables to some appliances, for example, a sound system, sound amplifier, etc.
Speed of sound
The speed depends on the medium by which it is transmitted. If it is through the air, it travels at least 340 meters per second and this is less than the speed of light. When it is transmitted by water, the speed is 1500 meters and finally, when it comes to transmission by solid elements, it goes from 2500 to 6000 meters per second.
Sound perception
Sound waves are transmitted in a straight line from the place where they are produced and this is achieved when they collide with obstacles in their path, thus reflecting a directional change. There are also some noises or vibrations that are believed to be perceived, but are not actually perceived, it is a syndrome called phantom sound.
There is also Tinnitus or the sound of silence, which is defined as a medical term used to explain ringing in the ears, that is, hearing sounds that do not come from a specific source.
Sound properties
There are 4 qualities, which are distributed in height or tone, duration, intensity and color or timbre. In this section each of them will be explained together with their characteristics.
Tone
This indicates whether the noise is high, medium or low and is determined by the frequency of the sound waves and the measurement in cycles per hertz or seconds. If the vibration is slow, there is low frequency and therefore it will be severe. In contrast, when the vibration is fast, there is high frequency will be sharp.
The tone is not uniformly perceptible by everyone, this refers to the audible frequency, that is, the older a person is, the range is reduced in bass and treble.
This can also be calculated using a sound bar. It is important to mention that in the case of animals, noise is not 100% perceptible or understandable by humans, which is why it is said that its qualities are not so complex.
Duration
It is about the time in which it is maintained. People can hear short, very short, or long sounds. There are acoustic instruments that can hold them for a long time, including the violin, wind instruments and the rubbed string. This noise takes between 12 and 15 hundredths of a second to reach the brain, but if the duration is shorter, then the height is not recognized and a sensation called clicking occurs.
Intensity
It is about how much energy a sound contains, that is, how soft or loud it can be. The identity is determined by a power that is determined by the amplitude and allows to differentiate if it is weak or strong. In objects, the intensity can be calculated or defined via a sound card.
Doorbell
It is about the quality that the sound has to identify its origin. A note can sound very different if played on a violin or flute. The instruments have a timbre that differentiates one squeak from another. The same happens with the voice, when it is emitted by a child, man or woman they do not have the same timbre. Voices can have a velvety, hoarse, sweet, or harsh timbre.
Sound sources
These can be generated by different sources, and can be natural or artificial.
Natural
They are produced by elements of nature, for example, rain, the sea, animals, man, the wind, rivers, etc.
Artificial
These are those that are produced by objects created by humans, for example, vehicles, sound equipment, telephones, etc.
