The greater the amplitude of vibrations of the particles of the medium, the greater the rate at which energy is transported through it, and the more intense that the sound wave is. The amount of energy that is transported past a given area of the medium per unit of time is known as the intensity of the sound wave. This relationship between energy and amplitude was discussed in more detail in a previous unit.

Subsequently, the amplitude of vibration of the particles of the medium is increased, corresponding to an increased amount of energy being carried by the particles. The greater amplitude of vibration of the guitar string thus imparts more energy to the medium, causing air particles to be displaced a greater distance from their rest position. If more energy is put into the plucking of the string (that is, more work is done to displace the string a greater amount from its rest position), then the string vibrates with a greater amplitude. The amount of energy that is transferred to the medium is dependent upon the amplitude of vibrations of the guitar string. The energy that is carried by the disturbance was originally imparted to the medium by the vibrating string. The disturbance then travels from particle to particle through the medium, transporting energy as it moves. For example, a vibrating guitar string forces surrounding air molecules to be compressed and expanded, creating a pressure disturbance consisting of an alternating pattern of compressions and rarefactions.

Sound waves are introduced into a medium by the vibration of an object.

Decibel scale zero