Science - 5.5 Sound

[5.5] What is sound?

A form of mechanical energy produced and transmitted by vibrating matter.

[5.5] How is sound produced?

Sound is produced when matter vibrates.

[5.5] What do sound waves transfer?

Energy from one place to another.

[5.5] What happens to particles when sound travels through matter?

The particles vibrate and transfer energy to nearby particles.

[5.5] What is a medium?

The matter through which a wave travels.

[5.5] What types of matter can sound travel through?

Solids, liquids, and gases.

[5.5] Does sound need a medium to travel?

Yes.

[5.5] Can sound travel through empty space?

No, because there is no matter to vibrate.

[5.5] What type of waves are sound waves?

Compression waves.

[5.5] Through which medium does sound travel fastest?

Solids.

[5.5] Through which medium does sound travel slowest?

Gases.

[5.5] Why does sound generally travel faster through solids?

The particles are closer together and can transfer vibrations more quickly.

[5.5] Why do you see lightning before hearing thunder?

Light travels faster than sound.

[5.5] What happens when you tap a desk and put your ear against it?

The sound can be louder because sound travels very quickly through the solid desk.

[5.5] What does pitch describe?

How high or low a sound is.

[5.5] What causes a higher pitch?

Faster vibrations or higher frequency.

[5.5] What causes a lower pitch?

Slower vibrations or lower frequency.