Sound Wave Properties
We visit a recording studio to explore the properties of sound. We explore the speed of sound as well as how our ears interpret changes in frequency and amplitude of a sound wave.
We visit a recording studio to explore the properties of sound. We explore the speed of sound as well as how our ears interpret changes in frequency and amplitude of a sound wave.
Learning Objectives
-Differentiate between mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
-Compare and contrast the motions of waves with respect to their direction of propagation.
-Calculate the velocity of a wave given its frequency and wavelength.
-Understand how our ears interpret changes in frequency and amplitude of sound waves.
-Discuss what factors influence the speed of sound in air.
-Describe how the decibel scale compares sounds of different magnitudes of loudness.
-Differentiate between mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
-Compare and contrast the motions of waves with respect to their direction of propagation.
-Calculate the velocity of a wave given its frequency and wavelength.
-Understand how our ears interpret changes in frequency and amplitude of sound waves.
-Discuss what factors influence the speed of sound in air.
-Describe how the decibel scale compares sounds of different magnitudes of loudness.
|
Vocabulary
amplitude - the distance from the equilibrium position to the maximum or minimum intensity of a wave. decibel (dB) - a unit of measurement that represents the logarithmic ratio between a sound wave’s highest and lowest pressure. elasticity - how quickly the molecules of a material ‘bounce back’ after a wave has moved through them. electromagnetic wave - oscillating electric and magnetic fields that need no physical medium through which to travel. frequency (f) - the number of wavelengths that pass a given point per second; SI unit is the Hertz (Hz). longitudinal wave - a wave that vibrates in the direction of propagation (e.g. sound waves). mechanical wave - a wave requiring a physical medium through which to travel. period (T) - the time it takes for one wave cycle to occur; SI unit is seconds (s). timbre - the quality of a sound. transverse wave - a wave that vibrates perpendicular to the direction of propagation (e.g. electromagnetic waves). wavelength (λ) - The distance between two waves that includes on full compression and one full rarefaction of a sound wave or one full crest and one full trough of an electromagnetic wave; SI unit is meters (m). |