1
$\begingroup$

The energy of a mechanical wave (in this case, the sound wave, which stimulates periodic movements of a gas) is proportional to both amplitude and frequency. Often, I read that it is written that energy depends only on amplitude, but when I have two waves with the same amplitude, and one has a higher frequency than the other, it apparently carries more energy. It has a shorter wavelength and moves the molecules much faster over the same distance. Since $E=F \times s$, a wave with a higher frequency must carry a greater force (and therefore energy) to overcome the inertia of the molecules more quickly.

But if a wave with a higher frequency imparts more kinetic energy to the molecules, shouldn't the molecules also oscillate with higher amplitude? But then it would be as if the amplitude had been increased, not the frequency. Something seems off in my interpretation, and I would like to understand where exactly more energy resides in a wave when I compare precisely one cycle of two waves with the same amplitude but different frequencies/wavelengths?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
4
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ What makes you think it moves the molecules the same distance? $\endgroup$
    – John Doty
    Sep 15 at 13:48
  • $\begingroup$ @JohnDoty I think that, because the amplitude stays the same $\endgroup$
    – iwab
    Sep 15 at 13:56
  • $\begingroup$ That's not the usual definition of the amplitude of a sound wave. $\endgroup$
    – John Doty
    Sep 15 at 14:07
  • $\begingroup$ You can think of it from an acceleration perspective. Since force is $F = m \cdot a$, by increasing the acceleration you can increase the energy (through its relation to the force). Thus, in the case you describe you increase the acceleration but not the amplitude of the oscillation. Please note that increased acceleration implies increased deceleration after reaching the equilibrium position and this is the reason the amplitude is not necessarily increased while the energy may increase with frequency. $\endgroup$
    – ZaellixA
    Sep 15 at 18:37

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
-2
$\begingroup$

It's an Excellent question;

The energy of a sound wave is determined by its amplitude, not its frequency. Amplitude refers to the extent of the vibration or oscillation in the wave, and it corresponds to the loudness or intensity of the sound. In simple terms, the greater the amplitude, the more energy the sound wave carries, and the louder it will be.

Frequency, on the other hand, refers to the number of cycles or oscillations of the wave that occur in a given unit of time. It is measured in Hertz (Hz) and corresponds to the pitch or tone of the sound. Higher-frequency sounds have a higher pitch, such as a high-pitched whistle, while lower-frequency sounds have a lower pitch, like a deep bass note.

In summary: • Amplitude determines the energy and loudness of a sound wave. • Frequency determines the pitch or tone of a sound wave. • Higher frequency does not make a sound wave more energetic; it simply changes its pitch. Energy is primarily determined by amplitude.

If a dentist uses low frequency instead of ultrasound it would clean also but takes a very long time.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.