Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics — 6 Terms Defined

Shock Wave Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics Pa A extremely thin propagating pressure disturbance characterized by a nearly instantaneous jump in pressure, temperature, and density. P2 / P1 = 1 + (2γ / (γ + 1)) (M1² - 1)

Sonar Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics m Sound Navigation and Ranging—a technique utilizing acoustic wave propagation underwater to navigate, communicate, or detect objects. d = v_water t / 2

Sonic Boom Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics dB / Pa An explosive impulsive acoustic thunderclap heard on the ground when an object travels faster than the speed of sound. sin α = 1 / M (Mach Cone Angle)

Sound Intensity Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics W/m² The time-averaged rate of sound energy flow per unit area perpendicular to the direction of propagation. I = P / A = p_rms² / (ρ v)

Speed of Sound Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics m/s The speed at which a pressure wave travels through an elastic medium. v = √(K / ρ) (Fluids), v = √(γ R T / M) (Ideal Gas)

Standing Waves Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics m A stationary wave pattern formed by the superposition of two identical waves traveling in opposite directions along the same medium. y(x,t) = [2 A sin(k x)] cos(ω t)