When a sound wave travels from air to water, several changes occur due to the difference in medium properties. Here's a breakdown of what happens:
Change in Speed: Sound waves travel faster in water compared to air. The speed of sound in air at room temperature is approximately 343 meters per second (or about 1,125 feet per second), while in water, it's approximately 1,482 meters per second (or about 4,860 feet per second). Therefore, as the sound wave enters water, its velocity increases.
Change in Wavelength: Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points of similar phase in a sound wave. When a sound wave moves from air to water, its wavelength decreases. This change is directly related to the change in speed, as the frequency of the sound wave remains constant. The formula that describes the relationship between speed, frequency, and wavelength is v = f * λ, where v is the speed, f is the frequency, and λ is the wavelength.
Change in Amplitude: The amplitude of a sound wave refers to its maximum displacement from the equilibrium position. When sound waves travel from air to water, their amplitudes generally decrease. This decrease is due to some energy being reflected back at the air-water interface, resulting in a loss of intensity.
Change in Direction: Sound waves also experience a change in direction when they move from air to water. This change in direction is known as refraction. Refraction occurs because the speed of sound in water is different from the speed in air, causing the sound wave to bend as it crosses the interface. The degree of refraction depends on the angle of incidence and the speed difference between the two mediums.
Overall, when a sound wave transitions from air to water, its speed increases, wavelength decreases, amplitude decreases, and it undergoes a change in direction due to refraction. These changes in the properties of the sound wave are important to consider when studying the behavior of sound in different mediums.