a ‘pulse’ that travels through a material, caused by forward and backward vibrations of particles

a membrane within the ear that is caused to vibrate by incoming sound waves

a measure of how far particles vibrate in a sound wave

Hearing sound

Science

In the Measuring waves unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to learn about the measurable features of a wave, the relationship between them and the wave equation.

In the Making images unit, pupils learnt that white light is made of different colours that can be detected by the eye, and how pinhole cameras and lenses form clear images.

This unit explores the nature of sound and water waves, including transverse and longitudinal motion, wave reflection, superposition, and the speed of sound in various media. It covers sound production, detection, and auditory ranges, emphasising data interpretation, and basic calculations.

Waves

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

a measure of the size of the particle vibrations in a sound wave

the number of vibrations of a sound wave each second

Match the following words with the correct definitions.

The diagram shows a human ear. Match each label with the name of the part.

It is a pattern of vibrations of particles.

It is the sensation of hearing something.

It can travel through gases, but not liquids or solids.

Which of the following statements about a sound wave is correct?

Match each of the following types of wave with the correct frequencies.

Which of the following sound wave frequencies is the human ear most sensitive to?

Air particles in the ear canal vibrate, making the eardrum vibrate.

This makes three tiny bones vibrate, acting as levers.

This makes a liquid inside the cochlea vibrate.

They send electrical signals along nerve cells.

The brain creates the sensation of hearing a sound.

Starting with vibrating air particles in the ear canal, sort the following statements to describe the steps between a sound wave reaching a person’s ear and the person hearing the sound.

Which of the following describes the particles in air when there is no sound wave passing through?

They move randomly but at greater speeds.

They travel in the direction of the sound wave.

They vibrate, but also have some random motion.

What happens to the particles in air when a sound wave passes through?

the transfer of energy from one place to another

the movement of some particles through a material

the movement of a material from one place to another

a repeating pattern of pulses that travels through a material

Which of the following is the most accurate description of a sound wave?

Which of the following words can be used to describe a region of a sound wave in which the particles are closer together than normal?

It moves towards the source of the sound.

It moves away from the source of the sound.

A very loud sound is made, and the sound wave hits a small feather which is hanging from a thread. What happens to the feather?

Particles vibrate at 90° to the direction of wave travel.

Particles vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel.

Which of the following statements about sound waves are correct?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Exit Quiz