Propagation of Sound

Objectives

• Show knowledge and understanding of the similarities and differences between mechanical and electromagnetic waves
• Show knowledge and understanding of some wave properties

Theory Presentations/Assessment - Propagation of Sound

• Types of Wave
• Electromagnetic Waves
• Transverse Waves
• Longitudinal Waves
• Sound Waves
• Speed of Sound Waves
• Properties of Sound Waves
• Combining Sound Waves
• Summary

Activity - Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

• Students use a slinky and a tuning fork to observe sound causing vibrations and examine the differences between a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave.

Activity - Measuring the Speed of Sound

• Students will use two sound level sensors, a datalogger and dataLOG software to measure the speed of sound in air.