Sound

Science

The energy in a wave

Amplitude

The energy in a wave. Amplitude. Amplitude is the height or strength of a wave, indicating the amount of energy it carries.

Part of a wave where particles are pushed together

Compression

Part of a wave where particles are pushed together. Compression. Compression is when particles in a medium are squeezed tightly together, creating a region of higher pressure in a wave.

The transfer of energy from a wave to an object, like sound energy when it hits a wall

Energy absorption

The transfer of energy from a wave to an object, like sound energy when it hits a wall, is energy absorption. Energy absorption is when an object takes in energy from waves like sound or light, reducing the energy that continues to travel beyond the object.

The number of cycles or vibrations per second, measured in hertz (Hz)

Frequency

The number of cycles or vibrations per second, measured in hertz Hz. Frequency. It is how often something happens in a specific period of time, like how many waves pass a point in one second.

How high or low a sound is, as determined by its frequency

Pitch

How high or low a sound is, as determined by its frequency. Pitch. Pitch is how we perceive the frequency of a sound, which makes it sound higher or lower.

The bouncing of light, sound, or heat waves off a surface

Reflection

The bouncing of light, sound, or heat waves off a surface. Reflection is when waves, like light or sound, hit a surface and bounce back.

The rapid back-and-forth movement of matter

Vibration

The rapid back-and-forth movement of matter. Vibration. In Science, vibration is the quick shaking or oscillation of an object due to energy.

The distance between the crests of two adjacent waves

Wavelength

The distance between the crests of two adjacent waves. Wavelength. Wavelength is the measurement of the length from one peak of a wave to the next peak.