No, sound waves do not typically set off mines. Mines are generally designed to be triggered by physical disturbances or pressure changes rather than sound. The most common types of mines, such as pressure-sensitive landmines, are activated when a certain amount of pressure is applied to them. This pressure can come from the weight of a person or a vehicle stepping on the mine, causing it to explode.
While it is true that sound waves are a form of pressure waves, the intensity and frequency of typical sound waves generated by human activity are usually insufficient to trigger a mine. Sound waves dissipate quickly as they travel through the air, and their energy is dispersed, making them unlikely to produce the necessary pressure to activate a mine.
It's important to note that there are various types of mines, and some specialized mines may be designed to respond to specific triggers, including vibrations or acoustic signatures. However, these types of mines are relatively rare and typically used in specialized military applications. In general, the activation of mines is more closely related to physical pressure or direct contact rather than sound waves.