Sound Properties: Frequency, Wavelength, and Speed
The Properties of Sound Waves Video Tutorial describes the various properties of sound and relates such properties to waves and to our perceptions of sound. Numerous examples, illustrations, and animations assist in the explanations.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- What do the various properties of sound waves - frequency, amplitude, wavelength, and speed - describe?
Video
You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:
Additional and Related Learning Tools
Minds On Physics, Sound and Music Module, Mission SM2 - Characteristics of Waves
A Minds On Physics mission is always a great follow-up to a lesson. Give this one a try once you think you have a handle on the concepts of frequency, amplitude, wavelength, and speed.
Concept Builders, Waves and Sound Chapter - Waves: Case Studies
This Concept Builder focuses on an understanding of how a wave pattern is affected by changes in the properties of a wave (such as frequency and speed) and by the properties of a medium (such as tension and linear density of a string). The first and second activity provide great follow-ups to this video.
Physics Tutorial, Sound and Music Chapter: Lesson 2 - Sound Properties and Their Perception
This video tutorial was motivated by Lesson 2 of our written tutorial The written tutorial provides a great location for a student to quickly review the key ideas.
Teacher Resources
Curriculum Corner: Sound and Music Chapter: Properties of Sound Waves
Our Think Sheets are useful in-class tools for processing a concept. This one-page Think Sheet provides a great review of the concepts of frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and speed.
Physics Interactives. Waves and Sound Section: Simple Wave Simulator
Our Simple Wave Simulator gives students great exposure to the concepts of frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and speed.. The simulation is accompanied by a free, downloadable Student Activity sheet that coordinates with a stand-alone Concept Checker. The triad - simulation, Activity Sheet, and Concept Checker - make an attractive centerpiece of an awesome lesson plan.
Minds On Physics, Sound and Music Module, Mission SM2 - Characteristics of Waves
A Minds On Physics mission will always give a student a strenuous workout in close reading, critical thinking, and conceptual reasoning. When you feel students have a grasp of the concepts, it's time to test their understanding with a MOP mission. This particular one is closely correlated to the video.
Concept Builders, Waves and Sound Chapter - Waves: Case Studies
This Concept Builder focuses on an understanding of how a wave pattern is affected by changes in the properties of a wave (such as frequency and speed) and by the properties of a medium (such as tension and linear density of a string). The first and second activity provide great follow-ups to this video.
Physics Tutorial, Sound and Music Chapter: Lesson 2 - Sound Properties and Their Perception
This video tutorial was motivated by Lesson 2 of our written tutorial. The written tutorial provides a great location for a student to quickly review the key ideas.
Lesson Notes
Download (opens in a new tab) or view below
Slides
Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.