A gently plucked elastic band moves back and forth. What is that motion called?
- Vibration
- Melting
- Orbiting
Answer and explanation
Vibration
Repeated back-and-forth motion is vibration.
Subjects
Waves & sound
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Sample exercises
Which pair describes two different sound properties?
- Pitch and height of the table
- Loudness and pitch
- Loudness and loudness
Answer and explanation
Loudness and pitch
Pitch relates to perceived frequency; loudness relates to perception of sound strength.
Which can carry ordinary sound across a classroom?
- Air
- Only visible light
- A perfect vacuum
Answer and explanation
Air
Sound propagates through a material medium such as air.
Give an example of a sound source and the part that vibrates.
Answer and explanation
For example, a guitar string vibrates after being plucked.
Credit a plausible source and correctly identified vibrating part.
A quiet whistle and a loud drum can differ in which two ways?
- Only colour
- Neither sound property
- Both pitch and loudness
Answer and explanation
Both pitch and loudness
The sounds can differ in pitch and loudness independently.
Why is pressing an ear close to a loud speaker a poor investigation method?
Answer and explanation
It may be unsafe for hearing; a quieter controlled observation is better.
Credit hearing safety and a lower-intensity alternative, not exposure testing.
Study notes
Sound starts with vibration
Connect observable vibration with sound without confusing loudness and pitch.
Grades 1–4Sound starts with vibration · Revision sheet
Connect observable vibration with sound without confusing loudness and pitch.
Grades 1–4Wave vocabulary and energy transfer
Distinguish amplitude, wavelength, frequency and particle motion.
Grades 7–10Wave vocabulary and energy transfer · Revision sheet
Distinguish amplitude, wavelength, frequency and particle motion.
Grades 7–10Sound, echoes and travel time
Use round-trip reasoning and distinguish medium effects from source pitch.
Grades 8–11Sound, echoes and travel time · Revision sheet
Use round-trip reasoning and distinguish medium effects from source pitch.
Grades 8–11Wave speed from frequency and wavelength
Use wavelength in metres and frequency in hertz.
Grades 7–11Period from many oscillations
A period is the duration of one complete oscillation, not its frequency.
Grades 8–11Distance from an echo
The recorded time includes travel to the reflector and back.
Grades 8–11Waves & sound · Formula reference
Formula reference
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