Sound Propagation in Different Mediums

Explore how sound waves travel through solids, liquids, and gases in this interactive simulation

Simulation

Click on the wooden desk to knock and observe sound propagation

Controls

Select Medium

🪵 SOLID Knocking on Wooden Desk

🌊 LIQUID Water Drop Ripples

🎤 GAS Person Calling Bird

Wave Properties

Frequency: 440 Hz

Amplitude: 0.5

Damping: 0.2

Wave Properties

Speed: 3300 m/s

Wavelength: 7.5 m

Wave Type: Longitudinal & Transverse

Gas Simulation Controls

Click "Call Bird" to generate sound waves and see if the bird hears you!

SOUND INTENSITY

85 dB

Knocking on Wooden Desk

Current Medium Information

SOLID (Wooden Desk)

• Sound Source: Knocking on wooden desk

• Wave Type: Longitudinal & Transverse

• Propagation: Fast (3300 m/s in wood)

• Energy Transfer: Through molecular vibrations

Relative Speed Comparison:

Solid (Wood):

Liquid (Water):

Gas (Air):

MOLECULE DENSITY

Solid:

Liquid:

Gas:

Higher density = Faster sound propagation

Sound Propagation in Different Media

Solids (Wood)

In solids like wood, sound travels as both longitudinal (compression) and transverse (shear) waves. Wood has a speed of about 3300-4000 m/s depending on the type.

Longitudinal waves: Compression along grain
Transverse waves: Perpendicular to grain
Faster along grain than across grain

Liquids (Water)

In liquids, sound travels primarily as longitudinal waves through compression and rarefaction. Water transmits sound efficiently at about 1480 m/s.

Only longitudinal waves (no shear strength)
Faster in saltwater than freshwater
Temperature affects speed significantly

Gases (Air)

In gases, sound travels as longitudinal waves through compression and rarefaction of molecules. Speed depends on temperature and molecular weight.

Higher temperature = faster speed
Lower molecular weight = faster speed
Only longitudinal waves