Exploring Sound and Its Properties

A student strikes a tuning fork and places it near a glass of water. The water in the glass begins to ripple. What does this demonstrate about how sound is produced?

• The tuning fork is absorbing water from the glass.

• The tuning fork is vibrating, causing the air and water to vibrate as well.

• The glass is making the tuning fork vibrate.

• The water is producing sound by itself.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

If you pluck a guitar string and then touch it gently, the sound stops. What does this tell you about how sound is produced?

• Sound is produced only when the string is still.

• Sound is produced when the string vibrates, and stops when the vibration stops.

• Sound is produced by the air, not the string.

• Sound is produced by the guitar body only.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

When you clap your hands, you hear a sound. Which statement best explains what happens to the energy when you clap?

• The energy disappears.

• The energy from your hands is transferred to the air as sound.

• The energy stays in your hands.

• The energy turns into light.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

A bell rings inside a vacuum chamber (a space with no air), and you cannot hear it from outside. What does this show about how sound travels?

• Sound can travel through empty space.

• Sound needs a medium, like air, to transfer energy.

• Sound travels better in a vacuum.

• Sound is visible in a vacuum.

A student shouts across a field and then shouts underwater in a pool. The sound is clearer in the air than in the water. What does this show about how different media transmit sound?

• Sound travels the same in all media.

• Sound travels differently in air and water.

• Sound cannot travel in water.

• Sound is louder in water than in air.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Why does sound travel faster through metal than through air?

• Metal is heavier than air.

• The particles in metal are closer together, allowing vibrations to pass more quickly.

• Air is colder than metal.

• Sound cannot travel through metal.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which of the following is an example of using sound waves in medicine?

• Using a stethoscope to listen to a heartbeat.

• Using a thermometer to measure temperature.

• Using a microscope to look at cells.

• Using a ruler to measure length.

How do bats use sound waves to find their food at night?

• They use their eyes to see in the dark.

• They use sound waves to locate objects by listening for echoes.

• They use their sense of smell only.

• They use their wings to feel for food.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

If you place your hand on a speaker while music is playing, you feel it vibrating. What does this tell you about how sound is produced?

• The speaker is moving air by vibrating, which produces sound.

• The speaker is heating up.

• The speaker is creating light.

• The speaker is not moving at all.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

A student notices that when a train approaches, the sound of its whistle is louder and clearer than when it is far away. Which statement best explains this observation?

• Sound waves lose energy as they travel through the air.

• Sound waves get stronger as they move away.

• Sound waves do not travel through air.

• Sound waves travel faster the farther they go.