3.3.6

Sound Waves

Test yourself

Sound Waves

Sound is a longitudinal wave. It is caused by vibrations in the air.

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Sound

  • Sound is an example of a longitudinal wave.
  • Sound is caused by vibrations in the air.
  • Air particles vibrate and collide with other air particles which then causes them to vibrate.
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Amplitude

  • The amplitude of a sound is how loud it is.
  • It is measured from the middle of the wave to the crest or trough of the wave, not top to bottom.
  • The amplitude of sound waves is measured in decibels (dB).
  • The higher the amplitude of the sound, the less time you should be in contact with it.
    • So be careful next time your headphones are loud for a long time!
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Decibel scale

  • The decibel scale goes from 0 to 180.
  • 0 is the quietest and 180 is the loudest.
  • 10dB is around the sound of someone breathing.
  • 50dB is the sound of someone talking to you.
  • A motorcycle is 100dB.
  • A jet plane is around 150dB.
  • A rocket launch is around 180dB.
  • It is recommended you do not listen to sounds more than 100dB for more than 15 minutes.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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