Why does vibration always cause air to vibrate with it?

The surrounding air is always vibrating because it is in contact with the vibrating object, regardless of the frequency. This is how sound waves are produced, as seen with loud speakers. The vibration of the speaker cone causes compression and rarefaction pressure waves in the air, which we perceive as sound.
  • #1
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When an object vibrates next to another object with the same resonant frequency it causes it to vibrate with it. Why is it that when an object vibrates, it always causes the surrounding air to vibrate with it?
 
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  • #2
Air supports vibrations over a very broad range of frequencies.
 
  • #3
Scheuerf said:
Why is it that when an object vibrates, it always causes the surrounding air to vibrate with it?

look close up at the vibrating object and the air that is in contact with it
as the object vibrates back and forward, what do you think is happening to that air ?

This is how sound waves are produced, say, from a loud speaker where the vibration of the speaker cone
causes compression and rarefaction pressure waves in the airDave
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Scheuerf said:
When an object vibrates next to another object with the same resonant frequency it causes it to vibrate with it. Why is it that when an object vibrates, it always causes the surrounding air to vibrate with it?
If the two objects are in contact, the second vibrates even if not at resonant frequency. Even if there is some air in between the second vibrates as well. It's only that at resonance the power transfer between the objects is higher.
So your question does not really have a justification. The air vibrates because is in contact with a vibrating source. There is no need for resonance for this.
A medium like air does not have a resonance unless is restricted to some closed volume which will impose boundary conditions.
 
  • #5
Scheuerf said:
Why is it that when an object vibrates, it always causes the surrounding air to vibrate with it?

The air surrounds the object, so when the object vibrates the air must move with it. The same thing happens for water or any other fluid medium. Or a solid medium if the vibrating object is in the ground.
 
  • #6
Vibration can cause energy to be transferred between two objects. The special case of resonance is just the frequency at which energy transfer is at a maximum.
 

FAQ: Why does vibration always cause air to vibrate with it?

What is the resonant frequency of air?

The resonant frequency of air is the frequency at which air molecules vibrate with the highest amplitude. This frequency is dependent on the size and shape of the container in which the air is enclosed.

How is the resonant frequency of air measured?

The resonant frequency of air can be measured using a device called a resonance tube. This tube is filled with air and a tuning fork is placed at one end. The frequency of the tuning fork is gradually increased until the air inside the tube begins to resonate and produce a loud sound. The frequency at which this occurs is the resonant frequency of air.

What factors affect the resonant frequency of air?

The resonant frequency of air is affected by the length, diameter, and material of the container in which the air is enclosed. The density and temperature of the air also play a role in determining the resonant frequency.

How does the resonant frequency of air relate to sound waves?

The resonant frequency of air is closely related to sound waves. When air molecules vibrate at their resonant frequency, they can produce a standing wave. This standing wave can amplify sound and create a louder, more distinct sound.

Why is the resonant frequency of air important?

The resonant frequency of air is important in various fields such as acoustics, music, and engineering. Understanding the resonant frequency of air can help in designing and optimizing sound systems, musical instruments, and even buildings to produce the desired sound quality.

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