Question

Is sound energy a form of kinetic energy?

Answer 1

Hint: To correctly answer this question we will first know what is meant by sound, we will even define it. Later we will know what kinetic energy is, and then state its examples. After having a clear idea about this we will relate the 2 terms and check to answer the question.

Complete step-by-step solution:
We talk daily and we are able to hear what others say by our ears, all that we hear is sound. Let's look at its definition to scientifically answer it.
Sound: it is defined as a pressure wave which is created by vibrating objects.
Now let us look at what kinetic energy is: it is defined as the energy possessed by a body by the virtue of being in motion. Some examples of kinetic energy are: cycling, walking , running , a rolling ball , etc.
To see if sound is a form of kinetic energy or not, we first need to know how we hear sound. First there is a source, this source produces a sound( a kind of vibration) . Due to these vibrations produced by the source the particles(atoms) in front of it vibrate and these vibrations are passed on to the particles of the person who hears it.
Now looking at the above explanation we see that we are able to hear sound due to the movement/vibration of the molecules(atoms). Hence these molecules possess kinetic energy.
And the correct answer to the above question is that sound energy is a form of kinetic energy.

 Note: Another way to answer this question would be that, sound waves as we know are longitudinal waves( it means the movement of the oscillating or vibrating particles is along the direction of the wave). Here the longitudinal wave suggests that there is movement of particles, hence sound energy is a form of kinetic energy.