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Sound waves are longitudinal (or compression) waves. They are produced when molecules are compressed together and then pull back to their original positions. We usually think of sound waves as traveling in air. Note that the air molecules involved in the wave do not travel with the wave. They simply compress and then return to their original position. If particles did move with the wave can you imagine what it would be like? You would always be able to smell what people ate at their last meal!! |
How do we measure the frequency, amplitude, and
wavelength for sound waves?
Look below to see how a compression wave can be made to look like a transverse
wave.
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Frequency: This is measured by counting the number of compressions that pass through a point every second Wavelength: This is the distance between two compressions Amplitude: The distance between the molecules at rest and the molecules being compressed |
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How do frequency, amplitude, and wavelength change how a sound wave sounds to us?
Frequency: This changes the pitch of a sound. The higher the frequency of a sound wave, the higher the pitch. The lower the frequency of a sound wave the lower the pitch.
Wavelength: The longer the wavelength the lower the frequency. This means the sound will have a lower pitch. The shorter the wavelength the higher the frequency. This means the sound has a higher pitch.
Amplitude: The larger the amplitude of a sound wave the higher the volume. The smaller the amplitude of a sound wave the lower the volume.
Sound waves are mechanical waves and it takes a mechanical system
to sense these waves.
Click Here to see how your ear works.
