Final answer:
Sound wave energy is indicated by amplitude, which decreases with distance due to dispersion and absorption, with some energy converting to thermal energy during propagation. A higher amplitude results in a louder sound and more significant vibrational impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
Energy plays a crucial role in how a sound wave behaves and interacts with its environment. The energy of a sound wave is most noticeably represented by its amplitude, which decreases with distance from the source. This is because the energy is dispersed over a widening area. Amplitude is related to the loudness of a sound; the greater the amplitude, the louder the sound. Energy transfer to the air occurs during wave propagation, leading to regions of compression and rarefaction. As the air molecules collide and move apart during these cycles, a fraction of the sound wave's energy is transformed into thermal energy, due to the viscosity of the air and the friction between air molecules.
Moreover, entities like the eardrum can absorb sound energy, converting it into other forms of energy, such as mechanical (motion) or thermal energy. Frequency, wavelength, and the speed of propagation are additional wave characteristics that influence sound. The intensity of a sound wave, which can be linked to its energy, is proportional to the square of its amplitude. Therefore, higher amplitude sound waves carry more energy and can produce a more significant effect, such as louder sounds or more forceful vibrations.