Sound & Wave Properties
Sound waves are longitudinal mechanical waves. Understanding wave properties explains how sound behaves in different environments.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Waves transfer energy without transferring matter
Longitudinal waves: particles vibrate parallel to wave direction (compression and rarefaction)
Wave equation: speed = frequency × wavelength (v = fλ)
Sound is reflected (echo), absorbed, or transmitted depending on the material
Key Vocabulary
Wavelength
The distance between two consecutive identical points on a wave
Compression
Region of a longitudinal wave where particles are pushed together
Rarefaction
Region of a longitudinal wave where particles are spread apart
Decibel
Unit used to measure sound intensity (loudness)
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
A sound wave has a frequency of 340 Hz and a wavelength of 1 m. What is its speed?
Question 2
In a longitudinal wave, how do particles move relative to the wave direction?
Question 3
An echo is caused by:
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Waves transfer energy without transferring matter
- ●Longitudinal waves: particles vibrate parallel to wave direction (compression and rarefaction)
- ●Wave equation: speed = frequency × wavelength (v = fλ)
- ●Sound is reflected (echo), absorbed, or transmitted depending on the material