Properties of Sound (Additional Alternative Material)
What Is Sound?
·
Definition: Sound is a form of energy that
travels in waves and can be detected by our ears.
·
How We Hear It: Our ears receive sound waves,
which then vibrate tiny bones in our inner ear. These vibrations are converted
into electrical signals that our brain interprets as sound.
1.
Pitch
·
Definition: Pitch refers to how high or low
a sound is.
·
Factors Affecting Pitch:
§ Length of Bar or String:
§ Longer bars or strings produce
lower-pitched sounds.
§ Shorter bars or strings produce
higher-pitched sounds.
§ Thickness of String:
§ Thicker strings vibrate more slowly,
creating lower-pitched sounds.
§ Thinner strings vibrate more
quickly, creating higher-pitched sounds.
§ Tautness of String:
§ Tightly stretched strings produce
higher-pitched sounds.
§ Loosely stretched strings produce
lower-pitched sounds.
§ Length of Air Column (instruments
like flutes or pipes):
§ Longer air columns (e.g., longer
flute) produce lower-pitched sounds.
More examples:
·
High Pitch: A small bell ringing.
·
Low Pitch: A large drum being struck.
2.
Loudness
·
Definition: Loudness describes how soft or
loud a sound is.
·
Factors Affecting Loudness:
o Amount
of Energy Used:
More energy results in a louder sound.
o Distance
from the Source:
The farther you are from the sound source, the softer it is heard.
Examples:
·
Loud Sound: Clapping your hands vigorously.
·
Soft Sound: Whispering.
