In a few words, how can sound waves be affected by materials?
Sound waves are energy that move through air, water, and other materials. The energy can be reflected, absorbed, or transmitted when it encounters a different surface or material. Different materials and surfaces influence how the sound wave will behave.
Sound Waves: Reflection, Absorption, and Transmission
Reflection: The bouncing of a sound wave off a surface. Absorption: The process in which sound waves are taken in by a material. Transmission: The process of a sound wave passing through a material without being reflected or absorbed.
Concepts:
Do you think sound waves are best reflected, absorbed, or transmitted?
- Reflected
- Absorbed
- Transmitted
Sound waves travel faster in some materials than in others. For example, sound travels 4.3 times faster in water than in air! A listener can determine the location of a sound source by using the difference in time it takes for the sound to reach each ear. In some cases, sound waves can be used to see inside of objects! This is called ultrasound imaging.
Fun facts:
Draw / write: How do sound waves interact with different materials?
Draw / write: What types of materials are best for reflecting, absorbing, or transmitting sound waves?
What have you learned about how sound waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted?
How could your knowledge about sound waves be useful in the real world?