Science of Sound: 2. How is Sound Made? Home Modules Science of Sound There are many different ways to make sound, but at the source, they all do the same thing — vibrate the air (or other medium) around it. Here are some examples of other things that vibrate in order to make sound. Drum Guitar Insect Saxophone Vocal Cords 2. How is Sound Made? Getting Started How is Sound Made? How Sound Travels Measuring Frequency Measuring Amplitude Phase How are the sounds in the videos created? DRUM DRUM The drumsticks vibrate the air as they move . The drum surface vibrates the air after it is struck by an object, transferring energy to the molecules around it. Yes! Try again. GUITAR GUITAR When the string is plucked, it vibrates, transferring energy to the air molecules around it. The vibrations come from the person’s fingers that then transfer energy to the air. Yes! Try again. INSECT INSECT The wings vibrate and transfer energy to the air molecules around it. The wings strike the leaves which vibrates the air around them. Yes! Try again. SAXOPHONE SAXOPHONE The musician speaks into the tube of the saxophone. Air from a person’s mouth passes over a thin reed, making it vibrate and transferring energy. Yes! Try again. VOCAL FOLDS VOCAL FOLDS Air from a persons lungs passes by the vocal folds which causes them to vibrate. The vocal folds slap together like clapping hands which causes the sound vibration. Yes! Try again. Submit Previous Continue
