Sound Wave Basics

Front

What is a sound wave?

Back

A sound wave is a type of mechanical wave that is created by vibrating objects and travels through a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) as a series of compressions and rarefactions.

Front

What is reflection in the context of sound waves?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of sound waves when they hit a surface that does not absorb the sound.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of sound waves as they pass from one medium to another, changing speed and direction.

Front

What is absorption in sound waves?

Back

Absorption is the process by which sound waves are taken in by a material, reducing the intensity of the sound.

Front

Which medium allows sound to travel the fastest?

Back

Sound travels fastest through solids, particularly metals, because the particles are closely packed together.

Front

Which medium allows sound to travel the slowest?

Back

Sound travels slowest through gases, such as air, because the particles are far apart.

Front

What is transmission in sound waves?

Back

Transmission is the process by which sound waves pass through a medium without being reflected or absorbed.

Front

What is scattering in sound waves?

Back

Scattering is the redirection of sound waves in different directions when they encounter small particles or irregularities in a medium.

Front

How does temperature affect the speed of sound?

Back

The speed of sound increases with temperature because warmer particles vibrate faster, facilitating quicker sound wave propagation.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and pitch?

Back

Frequency is the number of vibrations per second, and it determines the pitch of the sound; higher frequency means higher pitch.