Does sound generate heat?
Yes, sound can generate heat. In fact, it practically always does, though the amount is generally too small to notice. Advertisement  Sound and heat are different kinds of motion of atoms or molecules. Sound is an orderly motion, while heat is randomised. If atoms are squeezed close together at some point (maybe by a loudspeaker), theyll bounce away from each other and, in turn, squeeze nearby atoms together. This leads to a wave of high-density peaks and low-density troughs, which we perceive as sound. As the wave travels, or hits objects, this orderly motion is disrupted and randomised, becoming heat. Read more:  Asked by: Jenni Chater, Bournemouth  Advertisement  To submit your questions email us at questions@sciencefocus.com (dont forget to include your name and location)