Physics Waves and Sound Study Guide

Flashcards about waves and sound.

Resonance

Small forces added at regular intervals that cause an increase in amplitude.

Natural Frequency and Resonance

The natural frequency is the sound an object makes naturally. Resonance occurs when the frequency of an applied force matches the natural frequency of an object.

Longitudinal Wave

Sound travels as a wave in which the particles' displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

What is needed for a sound wave?

Matter (gas, solid or liquid) is needed for a sound wave to travel. Particles move in the same direction.

Sound Travel in Gas

Gas causes sound to travel the slowest because molecules are spaced apart, making it harder for sound waves to transmit energy effectively.

Amplitude and Volume

More amplitude means more volume.

Frequency and Pitch

High frequency means high pitch.

Constructive Interference

Two waves come together to make a larger wave, making the sound louder with a higher amplitude.

Instrument Length and Pitch

When length increases, sound wavelength also increases, affecting the pitch.

Doppler Effect

The Doppler effect occurs when either the object making the sound and/or the object hearing the sound is in motion. It changes the frequency of a sound.

Doppler Effect Pitch Changes

Higher pitch: source and/or detector are moving towards each other. Lower pitch: source and/or detector are moving away from each other.

How do you increase amplitude of a spring and a pendulum

Need to apply a greater force to stretch more / swing higher.

Pendulum Period Factors

Length of string and gravity.

Spring Constant

Stiffness of the spring.

Transverse Wave

Light, sports fans.

Longitudinal Wave

Sound.

Wave Measurements

Amplitude, period, frequency, wave speed, wavelength.

Constructive Interference

Two waves combine to create a wave with a larger amplitude.

Destructive interference

Two waves combine to create a wave with reduced amplitude.

if the frequency of a wave goes up, what happens to the period?

The period decreases; they are inversely proportional.