1. Sound is produced by vibration and needs a medium like air to travel. It propagates as longitudinal waves of alternating compressions and rarefactions.
2. The characteristics of a sound wave include its frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and speed. Frequency determines pitch while amplitude determines loudness.
3. Sound can be reflected, focused through reflection, and its reflection in large spaces causes echoes and reverberation. Ultrasound above human hearing is used for cleaning, detection, and medical imaging.