Definition of Acoustic wave
Acoustic waves are types of mechanical waves that propagate through matter—such as gas, liquid, and/or solids—by causing the particles of the medium to displace from their equilibrium positions. These waves carry energy and are characterized by properties like acoustic pressure, particle velocity, and acoustic intensity. The speed of an acoustic wave depends on the properties of the medium it travels through and on temperature; for example, it travels at approximately 343 meters per second in air, and 1480 meters per second in water. Acoustic waves encompass a broad range of phenomena, from audible sound to seismic waves and ultrasound, finding applications in diverse fields like acoustics, engineering, and medicine.
Terms mentioned above
Related terms
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Further reading
- Acoustic wave equation · Wikibooks: Engineering Acoustics
- Acoustic wave solution in Cartesian coordinates · Wikibooks: Engineering Acoustics
Frequently asked questions
What is Acoustic wave?
Acoustic waves are types of mechanical waves that propagate through matter—such as gas, liquid, and/or solids—by causing the particles of the medium to displace from their equilibrium positions.