SOUND OF THE SILENT UNIVERSE

Physically, sound is a form of energy which when received by our biological

receptors, the ears, makes it audible and we hear the sound. The sound may vary in its
type; it can be melodious, hoarse, high pitched, low pitched and while some may be very
loud some are just audible. The unit for measuring sound is Decibels ( dB).
Sound is a mechanical wave so it requires a medium for its transmission. It travels
as a wave from its source and when it strikes the molecules of the medium, vibrates them
and thus transfer energy to these molecules. This transfer of energy takes place from
molecule to molecule and when it reaches our ears it vibrates our ear drums and
membranes, creating some impulses or electrical signals. These signals are then carried
away to the brain by the 8th cranial nerve, which connects these two vital organs.
Now, speaking about the universe, we know it is supposed that universe and
thereby all the celestial bodies are crated after the big bang explosion. We can imagine
the huge explosion giving out all its energy in the forms that we know or might not know
in general. But if we draw a comparison between big bang and diwali cracker, we can
suggest that those forms of energy can be light, heat, sound, shock waves, etc. There are
clear evidences about light, heat and other radiations in context with the big bang, but
the presence of sound and its effect in the various processes of universe is still a
question.
Whenever we play our music system, we see that the diaphragm of the box
vibrates according to the sound. This vibration produces compression and rarefaction of
the air molecules and thus transmits sound to our ears. But our universe lacks any such
air molecules as it is a vacuum, so we cannot hear this sound. Another important point to
be noticed is the ability of the sound to move things. We have probably heard of some
opera singers who can break glasses due to their high pitched songs. This explains that
sound can move things. So, such an explosion like big bang must have produced sound of
great pitch and intensity and could have moved things. Going by the law, this energy has
to be transformed into some other forms as it cannot be destroyed. So, this transformed
energy can be related to the expansion of the universe.
Considering the above aspects of sound and its characteristics, we have found
many things that are yet to be explored or have been missed out of any concern. Thinking
it in a bigger way, what I opine is , If we consider, the universe to be a wave, we can
understand that it will be ever increasing and will never have a definite boundary. So if
universe is a wave, all the celestial bodies are the suspended particles on this wave. Like
the lighter particles on a wave of a ripple travel along with it so will they travel unless the
extreme boundary of the universe ceases to expand and they reach the boundary.
I have been continuously surfing over the net and relevant sources relating to the
question, but have been unsuccessful in finding an appropriate and a sufficient answer. This
article may provoke the readers and scholars to forward their suggestions regarding the
matter, which is welcome in any situation. Though from the discussion, we can see the
possible impact of sound in the biggest mystery of physics- the expansion of universe, we
are yet not certain about its reality as we dont have any data regarding the issue. We hope
some research works on this issue can clear if there is any link between the two.

Anirudha Singha
2nd yr.