This is a recording of a recent live teleclass I did with thousands of kids from all over the world. I’ve included it here so you can participate and learn, too!


Sound is a form of energy, and is caused by something vibrating. So what is moving to make sound energy?


Molecules. Molecules are vibrating back and forth at fairly high rates of speed, creating waves. Energy moves from place to place by waves. Sound energy moves by longitudinal waves (the waves that are like a slinky). The molecules vibrate back and forth, crashing into the molecules next to them, causing them to vibrate, and so on and so forth. All sounds come from vibrations.


Materials:


  • 1 tongue-depressor size popsicle stick
  • Three 3″ x 1/4″ rubber bands
  • 2 index cards
  • 3 feet of string (or yarn)
  • scissors
  • tape or hot glue
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2 Responses to “Nature of a Sound Wave”

  1. I am sorry you’re having trouble! I’m not able to find the link that isn’t working. I’ll have someone contact you so that we can sort this out ASAP.

  2. Stevei-Anne Matthews says:

    Hello. The AP Physics Workbook packet download link produces a 404 error page. Can this be resolved ASAP, please, so we can download it? Thank you. 🙂