Question

What determines acoustic impedance?

a) Density and propagation speed of the medium
b) Frequency and propagation speed
c) Frequency and interface size
d) Angle of incidence and media propagation speed
e) Frequency and media density

Answer 1

Acoustic impedance is determined by the medium's density and the speed of sound through that medium, with the formula Z = ρv; this affects how sound waves are reflected or transmitted at media boundaries.

Step-by-step explanation:

Acoustic impedance is determined by the density of the medium and the speed of sound (propagation speed) through that medium. This is expressed by the equation Z = ρv, where Z is the acoustic impedance, ρ (rho) is the density of the medium, and v is the speed of sound through the medium. Thus, the correct answer to the question is a) Density and propagation speed of the medium.

Acoustic impedance is crucial because it influences how sound waves travel from one medium to another, affecting the reflections at boundaries. When a wave reaches a boundary between media with different acoustic impedances, the difference in impedance determines the amount of wave energy that is reflected versus transmitted.