When two objects collide or when you hit one object with another, sound is created due to the mechanical disturbances generated by the impact. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Contact and deformation: When two objects come into contact or collide, there is an interaction between their surfaces. This interaction causes deformation in the objects involved. For example, when you strike a drum, the drumhead deforms upon impact.
Elastic potential energy: During the deformation, energy is stored in the objects as elastic potential energy. This energy is stored within the molecular or atomic structure of the materials involved.
Release of energy: As the deformed objects try to regain their original shape, the stored elastic potential energy is released. The objects undergo rapid changes in shape, which leads to vibrations within the objects.
Vibrations and sound waves: The released energy sets the objects into vibrations. These vibrations travel through the objects as mechanical waves, and when they reach the surface, they transfer energy to the surrounding air or medium. The vibrating air molecules then propagate the disturbances in the form of sound waves.
Perception of sound: When the sound waves reach our ears, they cause the eardrums to vibrate, which is then detected by the auditory system. Our brains interpret these vibrations as sound, allowing us to perceive the collision or impact.
In summary, sound is created during collisions or impacts due to the release of stored energy, which sets the objects into vibrations. These vibrations generate mechanical waves that propagate through the surrounding medium, ultimately reaching our ears and being interpreted as sound.