29Sound Checklist

Name Class

While studying this topic, tick off each item after you have covered it.

What I should know: What I should be able to do:

Sound is caused by vibrations. Understand that a sound wave transfers
A sound wave is a longitudinal wave. energy (without any matter being
In some places the molecules are closer transferred).
together (higher pressure), and in other places
they are farther apart (lower pressure).
The wave travels from the source to your ear.
Like other waves: Use the formula opposite.
wave speed = frequencywavelength
(in m/s)(Hz)(m) Explain why sound cannot travel through
Sound cannot travel through a vacuum. a vacuum.
Sound can be reflected, and causes echoes.
Echo-sounding is used by fishing-boats, Use the formula:
bats, dolphins and geologists.
Sound travels faster through solids than speed distance
= travelled
through gases (or liquids). to answertime
questions
taken on sound echoes.
It travels much slower than light.
We can hear frequencies in the range
20 Hz–20 000 Hz.
Frequencies above this are called Understand why the short wavelength of
ultrasound (ultrasonic). ultrasound makes it useful.
Ultrasound has many uses, including:
detecting flaws in metal castings,
pre-natal scans of unborn babies, Compare 2 oscilloscope traces, and say
smashing kidney-stones, which is the higher frequency (higher
cleaning jewellery and machinery. pitch).
The higher the frequency, the higher the Compare 2 oscilloscope traces, and say
pitch of the sound. which has the bigger amplitude (louder
The bigger the amplitude of the vibrations, sound).
the louder the sound.
Different instruments give waveforms of
different shapes.

New Physics for You Nelson Thornes Ltd. 297 © Keith Johnson