SOUND

The speed of sound depends on the medium it travels through. – Warmer medium  faster speed – Cooler medium  slower speed Particles in cool materials move slower than particles in warm materials. Properties of Sound

The pitch of a sound is determined by the frequency of a sound wave. – Pitch: how low or high a sound is perceived to be High frequency = high pitch Low frequency = low pitch Properties of Sound

Why does a drum get louder the harder you hit it? – This happens because more ENERGY is transferred to the drum the harder you hit it. The drum therefore transfers more energy to the AIR, which causes air particles to vibrate FARTHER from their rest positions. Properties of Sound

The loudness of a sound is related to its amplitude. – Loudness: how loud or soft a sound is perceived to be Larger amplitude = louder sound Smaller amplitude = softer sound Properties of Sound

Loudness is measured in DECIBELS. Properties of Sound

An OSCILLOSCOPE converts the electric current produced by a microphone into a GRAPH, which allow us to see the difference in both FREQUENCY and AMPLITUDE of sound waves. Properties of Sound

Tuning forks video: Properties of Sound

The Doppler Effect: Properties of Sound

The Doppler Effect: – Apparent change in the frequency of a wave caused by the relative motion between the source of the wave and the observer. Properties of Sound

The Doppler Effect: Properties of Sound

Sound Quality: The result of several pitches blending together through interference. Sound Quality

String instruments produce sound when their strings vibrate after being plucked or bowed. Thicker strings have a lower pitch. Shorter strings vibrate at a higher frequency. Sound Quality

Wind instruments produce sound when a vibration is created at one end of its air column, such as the lips of a trumpet player or reed of a clarinet. A longer air column has a lower pitch. The length of the air column can be change by opening or closing the finger holes or pushing the valves. Sound Quality

Percussion instruments produce sound when struck. The larger the instrument, the lower the pitch. Sound Quality

Noise is any undesired or nonmusical sound that includes a random mix of pitches. Sound Quality