Sound Waveform

Sound waves are longitudinal waves: a disturbance (source) creates an initial region of compression or high pressure.

When the source vibrates, alternating regions of low and high pressure, rarefactions and compressions, are produced.

The waveform of the sound shows the time evolution of the pressure variations.

Properties of a Wave:

• Amplitude: maximum particle displacement from rest (Pa or N/m$^2$).
• Wavelength: length of one complete cylce (m).
• Period: time to complete one cycle (s).
• Frequency: number of cycles per second (Hz).