SOL 5.2 ~ Sound

SOL 5.2 ~

The student will investigate and understand how sound is transmitted and is used as a means of communication.
Key concepts include:

frequency, waves, wavelength, vibration (SOL 5.2a)
the ability of different media (solids, liquids, and gases) to transmit sound (SOL 5.2b)
uses and applications of sound (voice, sonar, animal sounds, and musical instruments) (SOL 5.2c)

How are sounds produced?

Sound is a form of energy produced and transmitted by vibrating matter.

How is Sound Made?

How does sound travel?

Sound travels in waves and can be described by the wavelength and frequency of the waves. A wave is a disturbance moving through a medium (solid, liquid, or gas).

Sound travels more quickly through solids than through liquids and gases because the molecules of a solid are closer together. Sound travels most slowly through gases because the molecules of a gas are farthest apart. Sound cannot travel through a vacuum or through space because they need matter to travel.

How Sound Travels Through the Air

What is a Wave?

How can we measure and describe sound?

The frequency of sound is the number of vibrations in a given unit of time.

Sound is a compression wave moving outward from its source. The wavelength of sound is the distance between two compressions.

Pitch is determined by the frequency of a vibrating object. Objects vibrating faster have a higher pitch than objects vibrating slower.

Vibrations

Samples of Sound Waves

Animated Sound Waves

How is Sound Made

Interactive Sound Ruler

What are some useful applications of sound?