Sound and Waves

Integrated Science

Sound Waves Description

Light waves are transverse waves.

Sound waves are longitudinal waves.

Relating the Two Wave Types

Variations in Air Pressure and Corresponding Waveform

Wave Properties and Sound A large amplitude = loud sound

Areas of compression are wide.

A high frequency = high pitch Areas of compression are close together.

Sound Waves and Instruments To make sound, musical instruments vibrate.

Vibrations from the instrument cause the longitudinal waves to form.

The frequency and size of the vibrations determine the pitch and volume of the sound.

Musical Instruments How they work…

A wave is made and then amplified within the instrument. Woodwinds The reed makes the wave. Brass Your lips make the wave. String Plucking a string makes the wave. Percussion Hitting the drum makes the wave.

How We Hear SoundOuter Ear Sound Waves hit our outer ear and eardrum

causing it to vibrate.

How We Hear SoundMiddle Ear The eardrum vibrating causes three tiny

bones in the ear to vibrate. The three tiny bones cause liquid inside the

ear to vibrate.

How We Hear SoundInner Ear The vibrations from the liquid inside the inner

ear communicate with nerves that send the sound to our brain.