Sonochemistry
In chemistry, the study of sonochemistry is concerned with understanding the effect of sonic waves and wave properties on chemical systems. Since acoustic waves have unique physical properties, the corresponding atomic and molecular chemistry is unique as well. Often these effects are most apparent in ultrasonic systems. This is demonstrated in phenomenon such as ultrasound, sonication, sonoluminescence and sonic cavitation.
For example, in chemical kinetics, it has been observed that ultrasound can greatly enhance chemical reactivity in a number of systems; effectively acting as a catalyst by exciting the atomic and molecular modes of the system (such as the vibrational, rotational, and translational modes).