Sound Keywords Flashcards
Vibrate
Movement back and forth- vibrations are sometimes referred to as oscillations.
Longitudinal wave
A wave where the vibrations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer
Decibel (dB)
A unit of sound loudness.
Amplitude
The maximum displacement of a point on a wave from the undisturbed equilibrium position.
Frequency
The number of waves passing a set point, or emitted by a source, in a second- frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz or /s)
Waveform
A graph of the displacement of wave motion on different distances along the wave.
Wavelength
The distance between two identical points on consecutive waves- e.g., the distance between one crest to the next or one trough to the next.
Microphone
A device for changing sound into an electrical signal
Reflection
When a wave, such as light, bounces off a surface
Echo
The effect of hearing a sound twice, once when it is created and the second time after the sound wave has undergone reflection, before being heard.
Speed of sound
The speed at which a sound wave travels
Wave speed
The speed at which a wave travels. Waves speed (m/s) = wavelength (m) x frequency (Hz)
Sonar
A technique used to measure distance by detecting reflected ultrasound waves.
Particle
A very small part of a material such as an atom or a molecule.
Vacuum
A space where there are no particles of matter.
Hypothesis
An idea that explains facts or observations and is the basis for experimentation (X depends on Y)
Reflect
To redirect a wave such as sound or light
Absorb
To take in energy e.g, from sound.
Soundproofing
Using materials that absorb sound
Ear canal
Where sound waves enter the ear
Ear drum
The membrane in the ear that transfers energy from sound waves to the inner ear.
Ossicles
Tiny bones in the ear that amplify the vibrations of sound.
Cochlea
Part of the inner ear where vibrations are changed to electrical signals
Auditory nerve
The nerve that transmits signals from the ear to the brain.
