Definitions
Definition of Science
Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation, experimentation, and theoretical explanation. It involves gathering knowledge about the universe and understanding the laws and principles that govern natural phenomena.
Sound is a form of energy that is produced by vibrations. When an object vibrates, it causes particles in the surrounding medium, such as air, water, or solids, to vibrate as well. These vibrations propagate as sound waves, which travel through the medium to reach our ears, where they are perceived as sound. The energy transferred by these vibrations varies in intensity and frequency, which affects the loudness and pitch of the sound.
A waveform is a visual representation of how a sound wave looks over time. It displays the variation of the wave's amplitude (height) and frequency (spacing and number of waves) at any given moment. By analyzing waveforms, we can understand the properties of sound such as loudness and pitch. The waveform's amplitude correlates with loudness — taller waves indicate louder sounds — and the frequency correlates with pitch — closely spaced waves indicate higher pitch, while widely spaced waves indicate lower pitch.
Definitions
Amplitude
Amplitude is the height of the wave from the centre or rest position to its crest or trough, measured in meters (m). Larger amplitude means greater energy and results in louder sounds.
Frequency
Frequency is the number of complete wave cycles that pass a point per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher frequency produces a higher pitch, while lower frequency results in a lower pitch.
Pitch
Pitch is how high or low a sound is perceived. It is mainly related to the frequency of the sound wave; high frequency corresponds to high pitch, and low frequency corresponds to low pitch.
Loudness
Loudness refers to how loud or soft a sound is, depending on the amplitude of the wave. It is measured in decibels (dB). Greater amplitude produces a louder sound, while smaller amplitude produces a softer sound.
Sound can be classified into different types based on their frequency range. Infrasonic sounds are below 20 Hz and are not heard by humans but are produced by elephants and geological activities. Audible sounds range from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz and include most human speech and music. Ultrasonic sounds are above 20,000 Hz and are used by bats and ultrasound devices. These ranges demonstrate how different animals and technologies utilize various parts of the sound spectrum.
Wave interference occurs when two or more sound waves meet at the same region in space. Constructive interference happens when waves meet in phase, resulting in a louder sound. Destructive interference occurs when waves meet out of phase, canceling each other out and producing a softer or silent area. Devices like noise-cancelling headphones utilize destructive interference to reduce unwanted noise while speakers may use constructive interference to amplify sounds.
To remember :
Sound is a form of energy created by vibrations transmitted through a medium. The waveform visually represents sound's amplitude and frequency, correlating to loudness and pitch respectively. Properties like amplitude and frequency determine how we perceive sound, with amplitude affecting loudness and frequency affecting pitch. Sounds are categorized based on their frequency, ranging from infrasonic to ultrasonic. Wave interference, including constructive and destructive types, influences how sounds combine in space. Understanding these properties helps in comprehending how we produce, perceive, and utilize sound in various applications.
