How Sound Waves Work
What causes sound to begin?
Vibrations
What does amplitude change determine about a sound?
How loud the sound is
Which medium allows sound to travel the fastest?
Solids
What does wavelength refer to?
The distance between corresponding points of a wave
What does frequency determine about sound?
Pitch
What are the two patterns created by sound waves?
Compressions and Rarefactions
What happens to the sound when the amplitude is greater?
The sound is louder
What medium has a medium speed for sound?
Liquids
What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?
Inverse relationship (as wavelength increases, frequency decreases)
What is pitch?
How high or low a sound is
What is a medium in relation to sound waves?
Any material that sound can travel through (like air, water, or metal)
What is the relationship between amplitude and energy?
Greater amplitude means the wave has more energy
In which medium does sound travel the slowest?
gases
If a wave has a longer wavelength, what happens to its frequency?
The frequency decreases
How does a higher frequency affect the pitch of a sound?
It results in a higher pitch
Name one solid, one liquid, and one gas through which sound can travel.
Solid - Metal, Liquid - Water, Gas - Air
How does the amplitude relate to the pitch of a sound?
Amplitude determines loudness, not pitch
Why do solids allow sound to travel faster than gases?
Because particles are closest together in solids
How does wavelength affect sound perception?
It relates to pitch; longer wavelengths have lower frequencies and lower pitches
Give an example of a high-pitched sound.
A mouse squeak
Where can sound waves not travel?
A vacuum, such as in space
What is one example of how sound can be absorbed?
Soft, porous materials like carpet or foam
Provide an example of a medium where sound travels slowly.
Air (gas)
What unit is frequency measured in?
Waves per second (Hertz)
What happens to the pitch of a sound as its frequency decreases?
The pitch becomes lower