CIE IGCSE Physics

Revision Notes

IGCSE Physics CIE Revision Notes 3. Waves 3.4 Sound 3.4.1 Sound Waves

3.4.1 Sound Waves

Download PDF Test Yourself Join now

00:56

Did this video help you? Yes No

 Describing Sound
Sound waves are produced by vibrating sources
When a sound wave comes into contact with a solid, those vibrations can be
transferred to the solid
For example, sound waves can cause a drinking glass to vibrate
If the glass vibrates too much the movement causes the glass to shatter

Sound waves are longitudinal: the molecules vibrate in the same direction as the
energy transfer

Sound waves require a medium to travel through

This means that if there are no molecules, such as in a vacuum, then the
sound can’t travel through it

Compression & Rarefaction

EXTENDED

Longitudinal waves consist of compression and rarefactions:

A compression is a region of higher density i.e. a place where the
molecules are bunched together
A rarefaction is a region of lower density i.e. a place where the molecules
are spread out

Sound is a longitudinal wave consisting of compressions and rarefactions - these

are areas where the pressure of the air varies with the wave
 These compressions and rarefactions cause changes in pressure, which vary in
time with the wave
Therefore, sound is a type of pressure wave

When the waves hit a solid, the variations in pressure cause the surface of the
solid to vibrate in sync with the sound wave

When sound waves hit a solid, the fluctuating pressure causes the solid to vibrate

Exam Tip
When describing compressions and rarefactions, make sure to use the correct
terms. It is best to refer to them as regions of high and low densities of particles
instead of the particles are more 'bunched up' or 'far apart', as this is too vague and
not very scientific!
 Test yourself Next topic

Did this page help you? Yes No

1. Motion, Forces & Energy

2. Thermal Physics

3. Waves

3.1 General Properties of Waves

3.2 Light

3.3 Electromagnetic Spectrum

3.4 Sound

3.4.1 Sound Waves

3.4.2 Measuring the Speed of Sound

3.4.3 E"ects of Sound Waves

3.4.4 Ultrasound
4. Electricity & Magnetism

5. Nuclear Physics

6. Space Physics

Author: Katie M
Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and
completed a degree in Astrophysics at She#eld University.
She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so
moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science.
She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to
help students achieve their exam potential.

Resources Members Company Quick Links

Home Log in About us GCSE Revision

Join Contact us Notes

FAQ Jobs IGCSE Revision

Support Terms Notes

Archive Privacy A Level Revision

Notes
Biology

Chemistry
Physics
Maths

2022 Advance
 2022 Advance
Information

Missing something? Tell us

© Copyright 2015−2023 Save My Exams Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

IBO was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, the resources created by Save My
Exams.