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Sound Waves definitions

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  • Longitudinal wave
    A wave where oscillations occur in the direction of propagation, common in sound waves.
  • Compression
    An area in a sound wave where the medium's particles are densely packed, increasing pressure.
  • Rarefaction
    An area in a sound wave where the medium's particles are spread out, decreasing pressure.
  • Amplitude
    The maximum extent of a wave's oscillation, related to its energy.
  • Frequency
    The number of oscillations per unit time in a wave, determining its pitch in sound.
  • Speed of sound
    The rate at which sound waves travel through a medium, influenced by the medium's properties.
  • Ideal gas
    A theoretical gas where sound speed is calculated using specific thermodynamic equations.
  • Heat capacity ratio
    The ratio of heat capacity at constant pressure to that at constant volume, affecting sound speed.
  • Bulk modulus
    A measure of a liquid's resistance to compression, affecting sound speed in liquids.
  • Density
    The mass per unit volume of a substance, influencing the speed of sound in a medium.
  • Young's modulus
    A measure of a solid's elasticity, affecting sound speed in thin solids.
  • Elastic medium
    A material that can return to its original shape after deformation, allowing sound propagation.
  • Wavelength
    The distance between successive compressions or rarefactions in a sound wave.
  • Molar mass
    The mass of a given substance divided by the amount of substance, used in sound speed calculations.
  • Kelvin
    A unit of temperature measurement used in scientific equations, including sound speed calculations.