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💡 How big, how strong
Amplitude is how far the density swings; intensity is how much energy pours through — together they decide how much punch a sound packs.
What is amplitude?
Amplitude
The maximum change in density in a compression or rarefaction compared to the average density; more amplitude means more energy.
- The maximum change in density (in a compression or rarefaction) compared to the average density.
- A larger change in density means a larger amplitude (Fig. 10.20).
- A larger-amplitude wave carries more energy .
What is intensity?
Intensity
The sound energy passing through unit area, perpendicular to the wave, in unit time; it falls with distance.
- The sound energy passing through a unit area, perpendicular to the wave, in unit time.
- As sound spreads over a larger area with distance, its intensity decreases (energy is conserved).
- Louder (larger-amplitude) sounds carry more energy and travel farther.
Important Definitions
- Amplitude — the maximum change in density in a compression or rarefaction compared to the average density.
- Intensity — the sound energy passing through unit area, perpendicular to the wave, in unit time.
