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Physics LibreTexts

30.2: Introduction

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All waves begin as a vibration.  For the vibration to produce sound, there must be a material through which the vibration may travel.  The vibrations of atoms and molecules in air create compressions and rarefactions in the air.  

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Figure 30.2.1: Copy and Paste Caption here. (Copyright; author via source)

Sound travels at an average speed of 343 m/s in air; this speed varies because it depends on the atmospheric pressure and temperature of the air.  It takes time for the sound wave to travel.  Light travels at a speed of 299,702,547 m/s in air.  Light waves also take time to travel.

speed=distancetime

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30.2: Introduction is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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