GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Sound Waves

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Waves Waves in air, fluids and solids

Sound Waves

5:30 Sound Waves
Spec 4.6.1.4
Previous Mirror Images Next Hearing Sound
  • Sound waves are longitudinal waves that travel through matter.
  • Sound waves cause air molecules to vibrate, transferring energy forward without moving the air.
  • Sound is a mechanical wave and requires matter to travel through, which is why it doesn't travel in a vacuum like outer space.
  • Sound can travel through solids, liquids, and gases, and can be transferred from one medium to another.
  • Sound waves can be reflected or absorbed at boundaries.
  • Example: A tuning fork vibrates, transferring sound from the solid fork to the gaseous air, allowing us to hear it.
  • Musical instruments create sound by transferring vibrations to air (e.g., guitar strings, trumpets).
  • Speakers convert electrical signals into sound waves by vibrating diaphragms.
  • The amplitude of sound waves determines the volume; larger amplitude means louder sound.
  • The frequency of sound waves determines the pitch; higher frequency means higher pitch.
  • Pitch changes with the speed of a recording due to frequency changes.
  • Understanding wave properties is important for explaining how sound is heard from devices.

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