Regardless of the type of gas, sound is an equal combination of kinetic and potential energy. In the traveling wave, the velocity of the air varies with time and space. This is kinetic energy. In addition, the pressure varies. This is potential energy. The wave is a cyclic interchange between kinetic and potential energy. read more
Answer Wiki. Yes it's just kinetic energy, but their are two types, because the wave is alternately compressed and not compressed. In the compressed part of the wave, the energy is stored as a pressure, which itself is just the energy of random air molecule motion. read more
Sound energy is both kinetic and potential. Potential energy is stored in the compressed air, and then releases it as kinetic energy when the air moves. read more