When a sound wave passes from air into water, several properties of the wave will change due to the difference in the medium. Here are the main properties that are affected:
Speed: The speed of sound in water is significantly higher than in air. On average, sound travels at about 343 meters per second in air, while it travels at about 1,484 meters per second in water. Therefore, when a sound wave enters water, its speed increases.
Wavelength: The wavelength of a sound wave changes when it crosses from one medium to another. Since the speed of sound is different in water compared to air, the wavelength of the sound wave will also change. If the sound wave enters water from air, its wavelength will decrease.
Frequency: The frequency of a sound wave remains constant as it moves from one medium to another. Frequency represents the number of complete cycles of the wave that occur in one second. Therefore, when a sound wave enters water, its frequency remains the same.
Amplitude: The amplitude of a sound wave may change when it crosses from air into water. The amplitude is the measure of the wave's intensity or energy. Some energy may be lost during the transmission from air to water due to reflection or absorption, resulting in a decrease in the amplitude of the sound wave.
Attenuation: Attenuation refers to the gradual weakening of a sound wave as it propagates through a medium. Water is denser and more viscous than air, leading to higher attenuation of sound waves in water compared to air. This means that sound waves will lose their energy more quickly when traveling through water, resulting in a reduced range of audibility.
It's important to note that these changes in the properties of a sound wave when it passes from air into water are general observations. The exact changes depend on the specific characteristics of the sound wave and the properties of the media involved.