Understanding Sound Waves

Front

What initiates the movement of molecules in a medium to produce sound?

Back

Force from a vibrating object.

Front

What unit is used to measure the frequency of sound?

Back

Hertz.

Front

Up to what sound level in decibels can a person with normal hearing tolerate?

Back

120 decibels.

Front

What does the amplitude of a sound wave determine?

Back

Loudness.

Front

Which range of sound frequencies can typically be heard by humans?

Back

20 to 20,000 Hertz.

Front

What is a sound wave?

Back

A vibration that travels through a medium (like air, water, or solids) and can be heard when it reaches a person's or animal's ear.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and pitch?

Back

Higher frequency sound waves produce higher pitch sounds, while lower frequency sound waves produce lower pitch sounds.

Front

What is the speed of sound in air at room temperature?

Back

Approximately 343 meters per second.

Front

What is an echo?

Back

A reflection of sound that arrives at the listener after a delay.

Front

What is the difference between a longitudinal wave and a transverse wave?

Back

In a longitudinal wave, the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave, while in a transverse wave, the particles move perpendicular to the direction of the wave.