Traveling Sound
Students explore how sound waves move through liquids, solids and gases in a series of simple sound energy experiments. Understanding the properties of sound and how sound waves travel helps engineers determine the best room shape and construction materials when designing sound recording studios, classrooms, libraries, concert halls and theatres.
Students explore how sound waves travel.Copyright 2006 Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. http://media.web.britannica.com/eb-media/75/92775-004-B750F543.gif
Sound and acoustic engineers know that the shape of a room and its materials greatly impact how sound waves travel. Recording studios are designed in soundproof booths so that the recorded music does not contain any unwanted external noise. Libraries are designed to reduce any introduced noises, to assure a quiet, non-distracting learning environment. Concert halls are designed so that sound generated on the stage travels to the back of the space without being distorted.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain that sound can move through solids, liquids and gases.
- Describe how sound needs molecules to move and that changing the medium that it travels through changes the sound.
- Describe how engineers use sound energy when designing spaces, such as movie theaters.