Page 65 - Science Course 3 (Book 2)

Mo10-L3a: What are the Properties of Sound Waves?

The sound waves you hear usually travel to your ears Properties of Sound Waves
through air.
A sound wave can be described by its wavelength,
Air particles are in constant motion. frequency, amplitude, and speed.

As the particles bounce off you and other objects,
they exert a force, or pressure.

Quieter Deeper Pitch

Sound waves moving through air change the air
pressure by causing air particles to move toward and Louder Higher Pitch
then away from each other.

A compression is the region of a longitudinal wave Many properties of sound waves depend on their
where the particles in the medium are closest compressions and rarefactions.
together.

A rarefaction is the region of a longitudinal wave 1 second
where the particles are farthest apart.
1 Hz

1.5 Hz

Compression
3 Hz
Rarefaction

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