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Table of Contents
Sound is the term to describe what is heard when sound waves pass through a medium to the ear. All sounds are made by vibrations of molecules through which the sound travels. For instance, when a drum or a cymbal is struck, the object vibrates. These vibrations make air molecules move.
See the fact file below for more information on Sound or alternatively, you can download our 30-page Sound worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
DEFINITION
- We are surrounded by sound, and it is produced when objects vibrate. These vibrations cause the air around them to move which then causes sound waves to travel in different directions. Some objects vibrate at a specific frequency.Β
- From the clinking of keys to the tapping of a pencil on a desk, everything we hear in our daily lives has a distinct sound. When objects vibrate, they produce sound.Β
- Physics, on the other hand, defines sound as a vibration that travels as an acoustic wave through a transmission medium such as liquid, gas, or as longitudinal and transverse waves in solids.Β
- Sound is the feedback of such waves and their interpretation by the brain in human physiology and psychology.Β
- However, only acoustic waves with frequencies ranging from about 20 Hz to 20 kHz, known as the audio frequency range, provoke a reaction known as an auditory percept in humans.
- Any study of sound should begin with an examination of the properties of sound waves. Waves are classified into two types: transverse and longitudinal, based on how they propagate.Β
- A transverse wave is characterized by motion that is perpendicular to the direction (along the rope) in which the wave is moving.
- Sound as music is created by a variety of instruments that allow the performer to control the periodic vibrations.Β
- Thus, if it has any tone with musical characteristics such as controlled pitch and timbre, it is a musical sound.
- To say that some sounds are inherently musical while others are not is an oversimplification. From the tinkle of a bell to the slam of a door, any sound could be a potential combination for the types of sound organization known as music.Β
- In all places and times, a variety of physical, aesthetic, and cultural considerations have severely limited the choice of sounds for music making.
SOURCES OF SOUNDS
- Sound sources are classified into two types: natural and artificial, which can also be referred to as man-made.
- Natural sound sources are sounds produced by nature and humans. It is also defined as any sound produced by non-human organisms, as well as those produced by natural, non-biological sources within their normal soundscapes.Β Β
- Acoustic space is also created by natural sounds. Thunder roaring, the swish of the wind, flowing streams, the sound animals make, and so on are examples of this type of sound source.
- The sounds we hear every day that are produced by non-living things such as equipment, vehicles, and so on are referred to as artificial sound sources.Β
- These sounds, however, can only be produced when these objects are operated by humans. An example of this type of sound source includes the sound associated with an airplane, the noise of a vacuum cleaner, a police siren, music coming from a piano or even the noise coming from a stapler.
MEASURING SOUND
- The volume of a sound is measured in decibels (dB). This is a measure of intensity, which relates to the amount of energy in the pressure wave.
- Decibels are a measure of relative volume. They relate the intensity of a pressure wave to a normal or standard pressure.
- The greater the intensity of a sound, the louder it is perceived in our ears and the greater its volume. Since intensity is a function of energy, and energy is related to amplitude, we can conclude that the volume of a sound is proportional to its amplitude.
- In order to measure sound, there are several instruments that could be used, including the sound level meter, dosimeters, and octave band analyzers, and other instruments that function to measure specific sources of sound and even noise levels.
- A sound level meter, also known as a sound pressure level meter, is a hand-held device with a microphone that is used for acoustic measurements.Β
- The microphone’s diaphragm reacts to changes in air pressure caused by sound waves. In some workplaces, sound level meters are frequently used to assess the level of unnecessary noise.
- Dosimeters are also used in workplaces, primarily to quantify noise levels in order to comply with the establishment or company’s regulations.Β
- In doing so, the dosimeter can assess an individual’s noise exposure and then report the calculations related to any noise adjustments that are required.
- Octave band analyzers function for precise sound measurements. They are useful when determining the frequency of the noise.Β
- The instrument separates the noise frequencies using filters, and the components can then be analyzed. The sound analysis provides information about the effectiveness of set noise control protectors.
IMPORTANCE OF SOUNDS
- There are numerous reasons why sound is important, including communication.Β
- Sound is a primary mode of communication for humans and animals alike. We have created languages, dialects, expressive tones, and other means of distinguishing ourselves.Β
- These small details in our evolution have enabled us to collaborate to achieve greater things.Β
- Music is solely based on sound; if there is no sound, there is no music. Music has long been used to heal, entertain, and communicate messages.Β
- Music has historically been used to tell stories, intimidate enemy armies, and entertain crowds at public events. Music uses frequency and pitch to help us distinguish between instruments in an orchestra.Β
- Humans also use sound to determine the distance to distant objects using SONAR. A sonic pulse is emitted, and the time it takes for it to return to us provides a more accurate reading of distance.Β
NOISE
- Noise is defined as any unnecessary sound that is unpleasant, loud, or distracting to hear. In terms of physics, there is no difference between a noise and a sound, except that a sound is always relevant while a noise is not. When the brain processes and recognizes a sound, it distinguishes it from noise.
- Noise pollution may appear to be merely an annoyance, but it can cause far more harm than most people realize. There are several risks to noise for a person’s health, ranging from stress to hearing problems.
- Consistent noise exposure can significantly increase stress levels. Noises activate the brain’s fight or flight response, which causes stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to be released into the bloodstream.Β Β
- Noise pollution could also cause high blood pressure, anxiety, and heart problems by constantly activating the body’s stress response.
- Excessive noise can make it harder for a lot of people to fall and stay asleep.Β
- Most people are aware that loud noises can be harmful to one’s eardrums. Prolonged exposure to moderate noise levels, on the other hand, can deteriorate one’s hearing over time. Noises that exceed 80 decibels are generally considered harmful.Β
- When exposed to moderate levels of noise for an extended period of time, it can cause permanent hearing loss or tinnitus (the sensation of hearing a ringing in the ears).
Sound Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Sound across 30 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching about Sound which is the term to describe what is heard when sound waves pass through a medium to the ear.
Complete List Of Included Worksheets
- Sound Facts
- Sound Trail
- Sounds they Make
- Musical Instruments
- Sounds Unheard
- Identifying Sound
- Echolocation
- Speed of Sound
- Breaking the Sound Barrier
- Universal Sounds
- Picture a Song
- Sound Reflection
- Listen
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Link will appear as Sound Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, May 26, 2022
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.