Understanding Sound Waves: Properties, Pitch, and Loudness
Dive into the fascinating world of sound waves! Discover the similarities between sound waves and electromagnetic waves, focusing on key phenomena such as reflection and diffraction. Learn about the properties of sound, including pitch—the perception of how high or low a sound appears, based on its frequency—and loudness, influenced by energy and distance. Explore the audible range of human hearing (20 Hz to 20,000 Hz), as well as infrasound and ultrasound. Gain insight into measuring sound levels using decibels (dB) for a clearer understanding of sound intensity and perception.
Understanding Sound Waves: Properties, Pitch, and Loudness
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Presentation Transcript
Question… • What do you notice about sound waves?
Similarities • Did you know there are similarities between electromagnetic waves and sound waves? • Reflection • Diffraction
Reflection • Sound hitting a surface and bouncing back (or reflecting) • A reflected sound wave is known as an echo!
Diffraction • Sound waves can bend around corners!
Properties… • Properties of sound waves… • Pitch • Loudness • Sound level
Pitch • Pitch • Description of how high or low the sound seems to a person. • This depends on the frequency of the sound wave.
Pitch • Normal range of hearing • 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz • Sounds below this range is called Infrasound. • Sounds above this range is called Ultrasound.
Pitch • Some other ranges…
PITCH Higher Frequency=Higher pitch Lower frequency= Lower pitch
Loudness • Loudness • Perception of the energy of sound • 2 Factors • Amount of energy to make the sound • Distance from the source of the sound
Loudness • Energy • Greater the energy, the louder the sound!
Loudness • Distance • Intensity • Closer to source = more intense • As you move from source = less intense
LOUDNESS Greater Amplitude = Louder sound Smaller amplitude = softer sound
Sound Level • Measuring loudness • Decibel • How different level of sounds are measured and compared
Sound Level • Here is a list of ranges…
SOUND LEVEL A measurement of sound pressures (measured in Decibels (dB))