Exploring Light and Sound

Question 1

What is the connection between vibrations and sounds?

Answer 1

Sounds are made by vibrations. When something vibrates, it moves back and forth quickly and pushes the air around it. These movements travel through the air as sound waves, which our ears pick up and our brain hears as sound.

Question 2

Why do windows rattle when a jet passes overhead?

Answer 2

The engine of the jet vibrates. This causes the air around it to vibrate. The vibrating air causes the windows to rattle.

Question 3

Name three objects that help us see something in the dark.

Answer 3

1. A lamp
2. A flashlight
3. A fire

Question 4

Which three things do you need to make a shadow?

Answer 4

1. Light shining
2. An object blocking the light
3. A surface on the other side of the object

Question 5

Name three materials that let light pass through.

Answer 5

Examples: Clear water, clear glass, air

Question 6

How can an object change the reflection of a light beam?

Answer 6

Mirroors can reflect light beams, which causes the light to change direction.

Question 7

How does a dentist use light as a tool?

Answer 7

1. A lamp to see better in the patients mouth
2. A purple light to that can whiten teeth and harden the fillings in cavities
3. A laser that can cut through the hard surface of a tooth

Question 8

Name two more ways lasers can be used for.

Answer 8

1. To point something out (for example in school or college)
2. In the metal industry to cut through metal and pother hard materials

Question 9

Who was Gordon Gould and what did he invent?

Answer 9

He was a scientist who studies matter and energy with a special interest in how light behaves. He was involved in the inventions of the laser.