In a theoretical scenario where all conditions are ideal and there are no obstacles or disturbances, sound waves could potentially travel endlessly. Sound is a mechanical wave that propagates through a medium, such as air, water, or solid materials, by causing particles in the medium to vibrate. As long as the medium remains uniform and there are no losses due to absorption or scattering, the sound waves can continue to propagate indefinitely.
However, it is important to note that in practice, sound waves will encounter various obstacles and factors that can affect their propagation. These include absorption by the medium, scattering due to interactions with particles or objects, and the dispersion of sound energy over long distances. As the sound waves travel, their intensity gradually diminishes due to these factors, and eventually, they become too weak to be detected or perceived by the human ear.
Furthermore, the presence of atmospheric conditions, such as temperature gradients and wind patterns, can also affect the propagation of sound waves. These conditions can lead to the bending or refracting of sound, causing it to travel in different directions or become distorted.
Therefore, while sound waves can theoretically travel endlessly in an ideal situation, in real-world scenarios, their propagation is limited by various factors and obstacles encountered along their path.