Definition of Particle displacement
Particle displacement or displacement amplitude is a measurement of distance of the movement of a sound particle from its equilibrium position in a medium as it transmits a sound wave.
The SI unit of particle displacement is the metre (m). In most cases this is a longitudinal wave of pressure (such as sound), but it can also be a transverse wave, such as the vibration of a taut string. In the case of a sound wave travelling through air, the particle displacement is evident in the oscillations of air molecules with, and against, the direction in which the sound wave is travelling.
A particle of the medium undergoes displacement according to the particle velocity of the sound wave traveling through the medium, while the sound wave itself moves at the speed of sound, equal to 343 m/s in air at 20 °C.
Terms mentioned above
Related terms
Particle acceleration
In acoustics, particle acceleration is the acceleration (rate of change in speed and…
Harmonic oscillator
In classical mechanics, a harmonic oscillator is a system that, when displaced from its…
Acoustic tweezers
Acoustic tweezers (also known as acoustical tweezers) are a set of tools that use sound…
Pure tone
In psychoacoustics and signal processing, a pure tone is a sound or other signal with a…
Acoustic wave
Acoustic waves are types of mechanical waves that propagate through matter—such as gas…
Sound
Sound is a phenomenon in which pressure disturbances propagate through an elastic…
Sound pressure
In acoustics, sound pressure or acoustic pressure is the pressure difference between the…
Acoustoelastic effect
The acoustoelastic effect is how the sound velocities (both longitudinal and shear wave…
Acoustic streaming
Acoustic streaming is a steady flow in a fluid driven by the absorption of…
Frequently asked questions
What is Particle displacement?
Particle displacement or displacement amplitude is a measurement of distance of the movement of a sound particle from its equilibrium position in a medium as it transmits a sound wave.