Understanding how sound travels through different media

• What are sound waves classified as?

  Mechanical waves
• How do sound waves differ from light waves in terms of medium requirement?

  Sound waves require a medium, light waves do not
• What is the definition of wavelength?

  The distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a wave.
• What happens when you speak underwater?

  Sound waves travel through water to ears
• What is defined as one complete oscillation of a wave?

  Cycle
• What is the primary function of sound waves?

  To enable hearing
• What is the definition of amplitude?

  The maximum displacement of a wave from its resting position.
• What is the definition of a cycle?

  One complete repetition of a wave.
• What is the definition of the time for one cycle?

  The time it takes for one complete repetition of a wave.
• What are areas of low pressure in sound waves called?

  Rarefactions
• If the wavelength of a wave is 2 meters, what is the distance along the wave for 3 complete cycles?

  6 meters
• What does the amplitude of a sound wave represent?

  The maximum displacement of particles
• How do the characteristics of sound waves affect sound?

  They determine loudness and pitch
• How is frequency measured?

  In Hertz (Hz)
• What is the distance between two identical points in consecutive cycles of a sound wave called?

  Wavelength
• What do sound waves create in a medium?

  Compressions and rarefactions
• What is the speed of sound in steel?

  • Speed of sound in steel: 16,830 ft/s
• What is the speed of sound in air?

  • Speed of sound in air: 1,087 ft/s
• What is the distance along the wave called?

  distance along wave
• In which medium does sound travel faster: solid steel or air?

  Solid steel
• How do pressure changes in sound waves propagate?

  As a wave carrying energy without transferring matter
• How do sound waves travel through a medium?

  They cause particles to vibrate
• How do sound waves travel through a medium?

  By causing particles to vibrate back and forth
• What happens to sound speed on hot summer days?

  Sounds travel faster
• What is the effect of medium type on sound transmission?

  Solids transmit sound faster than liquids or gases
• What is the period of a low frequency wave?

  The time taken for one complete cycle of the wave
• What happens to particles in a medium when sound waves travel?

  Particles vibrate, creating compressions and rarefactions
• What is the speed of sound in hydrogen?

  4,219 ft/s
• What is the period of a high frequency wave?

  The time taken for one complete cycle of the wave
• How are the properties of a wave (amplitude, wavelength, cycle, time for one cycle, distance along wave) related to each other?

  They are all interconnected and describe different aspects of the wave
• What is the speed of sound in carbon dioxide?

  4,629 ft/s
• What is the speed of sound in air?

  1,087 ft/s
• What is the difference between high frequency and low frequency waves?

  • High frequency waves have shorter periods and higher amplitudes
  • Low frequency waves have longer periods and lower amplitudes
• What is the title of the figure?

  Sound Waves Travel at Different Speeds in Different Substances
• What is the speed of sound in aluminum?

  16,700 ft/s
• What are the key characteristics of sound waves?

  • Wavelength: Distance between identical points
  • Amplitude: Maximum particle displacement
  • Cycle: One complete oscillation
  • Frequency: Number of cycles per second (Hz)
• What is the speed of sound in fresh water?

  4,805 ft/s
• How does the propagation of sound waves differ from high and low frequency waves?

  • Sound waves propagate through a medium (e.g. air) unlike high and low frequency waves which can propagate through a vacuum
  • Sound waves have a much lower frequency compared to high and low frequency waves
• What is the speed of sound in aluminum?

  • Speed of sound in aluminum: 16,700 ft/s
• What is the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit for the materials listed?

  32°F