Sound Waves Mind Map

Sound Waves Mind Map

1. All waves transfer energy NOT particles

2. Transverse Waves

   • These vibrations are at right angles to the direction of energy transfer
   • Electromagnetic waves

3. Longitudinal Waves

   • These vibrations travel in the same direction as energy transfer
   • Sound waves

4. Wave speed (m/s) = Frequency (Hz) x Wavelength (m)

   • 1kHz = 1000Hz

5. A short wavelength means a high frequency/pitch

   • A long wavelength means a low frequency/pitch
   • The frequency of a wave is the number of vibrations each second

6. Half the height of the wave is called the amplitude

   • The loudness of a sound depends on the amplitude
     • Louder sounds have larger vibrations - this means a larger amplitude is louder

7. Sound waves are funnelled into the ear through the outer ear, and sound waves travel through the ear canal

   • This vibrates the ear drum, and the ear bones pass the vibrations to the cochlea
     • The auditory nerve then carries electrical signals to the brain
   • A sound to electrical energy change takes place in the ear
   • The range of human hearing is between 20Hz and 20,000Hz