Sound is a form of energy that is produced by vibrating objects. When an object vibrates, it causes the air particles around it to vibrate as well. These vibrating air particles create a series of pressurewaves that travel through the air. When these pressurewaves reach our ears, they cause our eardrums to vibrate, which our brain interprets as sound.
Properties of Sound
Sound has several properties that can be studied and measured:
Frequency: The number of vibrations per second is called the frequency of sound. It is measured in hertz (Hz). Higher frequency sounds are perceived as higher pitched, while lower frequency sounds are perceived as lower pitched.
Amplitude: The magnitude of the vibrations is called the amplitude of sound. It is related to the loudness of the sound. The greater the amplitude, the louder the sound.
Wavelength: The distance between two consecutive compressions or rarefactions in a sound wave is called the wavelength. It is related to the pitch of the sound.
Speed: Sound travels at different speeds through different mediums. In general, it travels faster through solids, slower through liquids, and slowest through gases.
How Sound Travels
Sound can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. When sound waves travel through a medium, they compress and rarefy the particles of the medium as they pass through. This is why we can hear sound through walls and doors - the sound waves are able to travel through the solidmaterials.
Applications of Sound
Sound has many practical applications in our daily lives. Some of the common applications include:
The student demonstrates an understanding of geochemical cycles by describing that most smaller rocks come from the breaking and weathering of larger rocks as part of the rock cycle.
The student demonstrates an understanding of geochemical cycles by recognizing the physical properties of water as they relate to the rock cycle.