Sound waves are typically transmitted through the vibration of particles in a medium, such as air or water. However, it is possible to perceive sound even in the absence of air particles or a medium for vibration. This phenomenon is known as "bone conduction."
In bone conduction, sound waves bypass the usual path through the air and directly vibrate the bones of the skull. These vibrations are then transmitted to the inner ear, where they are converted into electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound.
Here are a few scenarios where sound can be perceived without air particles:
Solid objects: When a sound wave encounters a solid object, such as a wall or a table, it can cause the object to vibrate. If you place your ear against the vibrating object, you can perceive the sound through bone conduction.
Underwater sound: Sound can propagate through water, which is denser than air. When you are underwater, sound waves can directly vibrate your head and skull, allowing you to hear sounds.
Personal audio devices: Some headphones and earbuds use bone conduction technology. Instead of transmitting sound through the air, they send vibrations directly to your skull, which are then picked up by your inner ear. This allows you to hear sound without relying on air particles.
In these cases, sound waves bypass the need for air particles to vibrate and directly interact with solid objects or the human body, allowing us to perceive sound even in the absence of a medium for traditional sound transmission.