Instructions: Read the passage discussing waves with varying wavelengths, frequencies, and amplitudes.
A student is curious about the reasons behind the differences in volume and pitch among sounds. To explore this, he embarks on research to uncover the wave properties responsible for these variations.
Initially, he grasps that a wave constitutes a recurring pattern characterized by specific wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. The amplitude of a wave represents the maximum distance above or below the equilibrium point. The energy of a wave is determined by squaring its amplitude. Frequency denotes how often the wave pattern repeats, and the energy transferred by the wave is proportional to its frequency. For instance, in sound waves, the amplitude correlates with loudness, while frequency correlates with pitch.
During his investigation, the student encounters graphs that aid his comprehension of how wave properties influence their energy.
Graph 1 depicts the amplitudes (measured …
in meter) of two different waves with varying wavelengths. The first wave has a shorter wavelength, resulting in a higher frequency. As a result, it has a higher amplitude, indicating a louder sound. On the other hand, the second wave has a longer wavelength, resulting in a lower frequency and a lower amplitude, indicating a quieter sound.
Graph 2 illustrates the frequencies (measured in hertz) of two waves with the same wavelength but different amplitudes. The wave with the higher amplitude has a higher frequency, indicating a louder sound. Conversely, the wave with the lower amplitude has a lower frequency, indicating a quieter sound.
Graph 3 showcases the relationship between wavelength and frequency. As the wavelength decreases, the frequency increases. This means that waves with shorter wavelengths have higher frequencies, resulting in higher pitches.
In conclusion, the student learns that the differences in volume and pitch among sounds are determined by the wave properties of amplitude, wavelength, and frequency. The amplitude affects the loudness of the sound, while the frequency affects the pitch. By understanding these wave properties, the student gains a deeper understanding of why sounds vary in volume and pitch.