Sound and Waves Overview

During this unit you will be learning about waves and how sound travels in waves.  This is a very practical unit since we experience a majority of our world using our sense of hearing and vision which are two types of senses that use waves (in different ways) in order to function.  Physics classroom has very good information on the basics of waves and sound as well as some more advanced sound and waves concepts.  The pages for physics classroom material are linked to below.

Sound Unit Documents

Sound Unit Schedule

Main goal:

Be able to define various wave-related terms and apply these terms to wave-related situations (9.1).

Class Agenda:

  1. Interesting applications of sound waves
  2. Wave terminology overview

Homework:

  1. Complete pages 1-2 of waves and sound packet

Main goal:

Be able to solve for various wave-related variables using provided information (9.2).

Class Agenda:

  1. The basics of waves
  2. Wave terminology review
    • Wave terminology (pg. 1)
  3. Wave Equations
    • Complete pages 3-4 in "Waves and Sound" packet
  4. interesting use of soundwaves

Homework:

  1. Complete pages 1-4 of waves and sound packet

Main goal:

Use the concepts of reflection and resonance to calculate the speed of sound (9.3 & 9.5).

Class Agenda:

  1. Review the anatomy and basics of waves
  2. Review wave equation calculations (pgs. 3-4)
  3. Discuss resonance/vibration modes (pg. 9)
  4. Resonance Lab
    • Find the 1st vibration mode of a tube.
    • Find the wavelength of the sound wave resonating in the tube.
    • Find the speed of sound in the classroom (verify with multiple frequencies).
  5. Practice finding frequency, wavelength and velocity of waves using resonance as a guide to thinking (pg. 10)

Homework:

  1. Complete pg. 10 of waves and sound packet
  2. Complete resonance lab

Main goal:

Be able to explain how wave superposition occurs and be able to superimpose two waveforms (9.4)

Class Agenda:

  1. Review Resonance Lab
    • Find the 1st vibration mode of a tube.
    • Find the wavelength of the sound wave resonating in the tube.
    • Find the speed of sound in the classroom (verify with multiple frequencies).
  2. Determine wavelengths of resonant waves (pg. 8)
  3. Be able to explain how wave superposition occurs (video)
  4. Practice superimposing waves (pgs. 6-7)

Homework:

  1. Complete pg. 10 of waves and sound packet

Main goal:

Be able to explain the connections between objectives 9.1-9.6.

Class Agenda:

  1. Review superposition (video) (pgs. 6-7)
  2. Vibration mode example problems (pg. 10)
  3. Back to the basics (pg. 5)
  4. Review connections between concepts so far (pgs. 1-10)

    Homework:

    1. Review your waves and sound packet to make sure that pages 1-10 are complete.

    Main goal:

    Be able to research, present and explain a practical use for sound. Be able to explain the doppler effect (9.7).

    Class Agenda:

    1. Review wave basics and vibration modes (pgs. 5, 10)
    2. Palm pipes - explain how the palm pipes work and why we are able to play different musical notes using them. Use the terms pipe length, resonance, wavelength, frequency, pitch, harmonic and velocity in your response.
    3. Doppler effect notes (image) (video)
    4. Sound/wave research
      • Find a practical and interesting technological breakthrough or invention that uses sound waves in some way. This article or google are good places to start if you are not sure where to begin.
      • Use our library resources to research your chosen topic in greater depth (login using the same details as your email login)
      • Design a presentation that explains how the discovery you researched uses sound waves to operate.
      • Present your finding to the class in a way that you are comfortable with. (Due 4/25)

    Homework:

    1. Complete "Musical Problems" (pg. 11 in waves and sound packet)
    2. Begin studying for waves and sound unit exam (exam on Monday 4/29)

    Main goal:

    Review waves and sound material and be able to explain and demonstrate your knowledge of each objective (9.1-9.7)

    Class Agenda:

    1. Sound/wave presentations
    2. Review doppler effect
    3. Unit review (video) (article) (physics classroom)
    4. Additional sound unit review (Sound Unit Review) (Sound Unit Review Key)

    Homework:

    1. Complete waves and sound unit assignments packet
    2. Review for exam next class

    Main goal:

    Be able to demonstrate your acquired knowledge of sound and waves unit material (9.1-9.7)

    Class Agenda:

    1. Waves and sound review
    2. Waves and sound unit exam

    Homework:

    1. None. Enjoy the day!

    Contact: Jeff.Batey@D214.org