Sound waves

• What type of wave is sound?

  Longitudinal wave
• How do sound waves transmit through different media?

  They cause particles to vibrate
• What is the frequency range of normal human hearing?

  20 Hertz to 20,000 Hertz
• Why can't frequencies outside the human hearing range cause eardrum vibrations?

  They may not trigger eardrum vibrations
• What happens to sound wave speed when moving from gas to solid?

  It increases
• What is the wave equation?

  Wave speed = frequency × wavelength
• What changes when sound waves move from one medium to another?

  Their speed and wavelength change
• What does not change when a wave changes medium?

  The frequency of the wave
• How can sound waves be visualized?

  Using a cathode ray oscilloscope
• What type of waves does a cathode ray oscilloscope incorrectly represent sound waves as?

  Transverse waves
• What does a high frequency sound indicate?

  It has a high pitch
• What does a low frequency sound indicate?

  It has a low pitch
• What does a small amplitude in sound waves indicate?

  It is a quiet sound
• What does a large amplitude in sound waves indicate?

  It is a loud sound
• Can sound waves travel through a vacuum?

  No, they cannot
• What is an echo?

  A reflected sound wave
• What are the key features of sound waves?

  • Sound waves are longitudinal.
  • They require a medium to travel.
  • They can be reflected (echo).
  • Frequency affects pitch.
  • Amplitude affects loudness.
• How do frequency and amplitude affect sound?

  • High frequency = high pitch
  • Low frequency = low pitch
  • Small amplitude = quiet sound
  • Large amplitude = loud sound