Why is sound energy kinetic energy?

Answer 1

Sound is the movement of a medium at frequencies we can hear. As it always involves movement of a medium, either a solid, liquid or gas to be transmitted it will involve kinetic energy at times.

Note that kinetic energy is the energy stored in a moving mass. Sound waves carry energy with a combination of both kinetic and potential energy. There are two moments in every cycle where there is no movement and therefore no kinetic energy. These two points are at the upper and lower peaks of the wave.

Answer 2

The energy in a sound wave is both kinetic and potential energy.

Just as in a vibrating spring, the medium has mass and moves and so moving mass is kinetic energy.

Just as in the spring there is compression and rarefaction, so there is elastic potential energy.

In fact, these two are equal, potential energy = kinetic energy, just like a spring.

Just like in a vibrating spring, the total energy is constant and equal to the average kinetic energy plus the average potential energy.

Answer 3

Sound energy is both kinetic and potential. Potential energy is stored in the compressed air, and then releases it as kinetic energy when the air moves.

Answer 4

It is sound energy I think because potential means it is stored in it and kinetic is movement energy.

Answer 5

Kinetic. Whatever caused the sound released its energy in sound form.

Answer 6

Sound energy is related to the movement of atoms or rather groups of atoms; therefore it is kinetic energy.

Answer 7

Sound energy is kinetic energy. Sound is the movement of a wave through matter

Answer 8

potential energy

Answer 9

Potential energy the radio is not moving