Sound Waves

Front

What are sound waves?

Back

Sound waves are vibrations that travel through the air (or other materials) and can be heard when they reach our ears.

Front

Can sound waves be felt?

Back

Yes, sound waves can be felt, especially loud sounds like music or thunder.

Front

Is it true that a bomb going off in space is very loud?

Back

No, it is false. Sound cannot travel in space because there is no air.

Front

What does high amplitude mean?

Back

High amplitude means high volume; the sound is loud.

Front

Why do we see lightning before we hear thunder?

Back

We see lightning first because light travels faster than sound.

Front

What does low pitch mean?

Back

Low pitch means low frequency; the sound is deep.

Front

What is the speed of sound in air?

Back

The speed of sound in air is about 343 meters per second.

Front

What is an example of a high-frequency sound?

Back

An example of a high-frequency sound is a whistle.

Front

What is an example of a low-frequency sound?

Back

An example of a low-frequency sound is a bass drum.

Front

What happens to sound waves when they travel through different materials?

Back

Sound waves travel at different speeds depending on the material; they travel faster in water than in air.