Science of Sound: 2. How is Sound Made?

2 How is Sound Made?

Sound is made when an object vibrates the air (or other medium) around it. When these vibrations reach our ear, our brain interprets them as “sound.”

A “medium” is composed of molecules that are able to transmit vibrations. It may be a gas (air), liquid (water) or a solid (wood or metal). Without a medium, the vibrations cannot be transmitted from one place to another.

2. How is Sound Made?

Getting Started
How is Sound Made?
How Sound Travels
Measuring Frequency
Measuring Amplitude
Phase

Pick an item that generates sound vibrations Pick an item that generates sound vibrations Drum Guitar Saxophone Dog's Bark

The drum surface vibrates the air after it is struck by an object, transferring energy to the molecules around it.

When the string is plucked, it vibrates, transferring energy to the air molecules around it.

Air from a person’s mouth passes over a thin reed, making it vibrate and transferring energy.

Air from a dog’s lungs pass by the vocal folds which causes them to vibrate.

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