Standard PS.8 Sound and Sound Waves

The student will investigate and understand characteristics of sound and technological applications of sound waves. Key concepts include • wavelength, frequency, amplitude, interference; and • technological applications of sound.

The critical scientific concepts developed in this standard include the following: • Sound is produced by vibrations and is a type of mechanical energy. Sound travels in compression waves and at a speed much slower than light. It needs a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) in which to travel. In a compression wave, matter vibrates in the same direction in which the wave travels. (model a compression wave; diagram, label, and describe the basic components: wavelength, compression, rarefaction, and frequency.) • All waves exhibit certain characteristics, wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. (The amount of compression is like the amplitude of a transverse wave.) As wavelength increases, frequency decreases. (determine the relationship between frequency and wavelength.) • The speed of sound depends on two things: the medium through which the waves travel, and the temperature of the medium. (understand factors that determine the speed of sound through various materials.) • Reflection and interference patterns are used in ultrasonic technology, including sonar and medical diagnosis. (describe technological applications of sound waves and how each application functions.)