Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics
5 terms
Threshold of Hearing
Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics
W/m² (0 dB)
The minimum sound pressure level or intensity audible to a healthy human ear at 1000 Hz.
I0 = 10⁻¹² W/m² (0 dB SPL, P0 = 20 µPa)
Threshold of Pain
Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics
W/m² (120-130 dB)
The upper sound intensity limit above which acoustic vibrations cause physical discomfort and immediate structural damage to human ears.
I_pain ≈ 1 W/m² (120 - 130 dB SPL)
Timbre
Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics
N/A
The subjective tone quality or color of a musical sound that distinguishes different instruments playing the same fundamental pitch and loudness.
Fourier Spectrum Balance
Transverse Wave
Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics
m
A wave in which medium particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave energy propagation.
y(x,t) = A sin(k x - ω t)
Tsunami
Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics
m/s
A series of extremely long-wavelength ocean water waves generated by sudden vertical displacement of the seafloor.
v = √(g d)