hypersound

physics

Also known as: microsound, praetersound

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

Hypersound refers to sound waves with frequencies exceeding 10¹³ hertz. At these extremely high frequencies, sound waves struggle to propagate efficiently. Above approximately 1.25 x 10¹³ hertz, longitudinal waves cannot travel at all, even in liquids or solids, because the material's molecules cannot transmit vibrations quickly enough.1

In contrast, "hypersonic" describes speeds five or more times the speed of sound in air. This term is often used in the context of aerospace and high-speed flight.2

While the term "hypersound" is rarely used in physics, the related concept of "ultrasonics" deals with frequencies above the human hearing range (greater than 20 kilohertz) and has numerous applications, including medical imaging, cleaning, and materials testing.1

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ultrasonics
Hypersound, sometimes called praetersound or microsound, is sound waves of frequencies greater than 10¹³ hertz. At such high frequencies it is very difficult for a sound wave to propagate efficiently; indeed, above a frequency of about 1.25 × 10¹³ hertz it is impossible for longitudinal…
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Hypersound, sometimes called praetersound or microsound, is sound waves of frequencies greater than 10¹³ hertz. At such high frequencies it is very difficult for a sound wave to propagate efficiently; indeed, above a frequency of about 1.25 × 10¹³ hertz it is impossible for longitudinal…
Read More