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Science
Quarter 3: Module 4
Characteristics of Sound
What I Need to Know

This module encourages you to be familiar with the characteristics of

sound and how it is described using the concepts of wavelength, velocity
and amplitude. Various activities are provided for you to strengthen your
knowledge and skills regarding the topic.
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
• describe the nature of sound;

• describe the characteristics of sound using the concepts of

wavelength, velocity and amplitude; and
• appreciate the importance of sound in our daily life.

What I Know
Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer.

1. Which of the following would best transmit sound?

a. steel in cabinet c. air in your classroom
b. water in the ocean d. water in a swimming pool
2. Which of the following cannot be considered a high pitch sound?
a. nagging woman c. chirping bird
b. shouting man d. growling tiger
3. Which illustration below shows the loudest sound?

a b c d

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4. Which illustration below shows the highest pitch?

a b

c d

5. What happens if the volume of the speaker is being increased to make the sound
louder?
a. amplitude decreases c. amplitude is constant
b. amplitude will not change d. amplitude increases

6. A sound wave is a _________.

a. shock wave c. standing wave
b. transverse wave d. longitudinal wave

7. The speed of sound depends on ________.

a. pitch c. temperature
b. loudness d. intensity

8. Sound waves cannot travel in _______.

a. water c. air
b. steel d. vacuum

9. High pitched sound has short _________.

a. wavelength c. velocity
b. amplitude d. none of these

10. High pitched sound has relatively high________.

a. frequency c. amplitude, speed
b. amplitude d. frequency, amplitude

11. The pitch of a sound is related to the _____ of the sound wave.
a. frequency c. speed
b. wavelength d. amplitude

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12. Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a vibrating particle on either side of its
normal position when the wave passes. It is also referred to _____ .
a. quality c. loudness
b. pith d. timbre

13. As the amplitude of sound waves increases, the loudness_____.

a. decreases c. does not change

b. increases d. cancels out

14. The type of sound which is not pleasing to the sense is classified as _____.
a. pleasant c. noise
b. loud d. soft sound

15. The quality of sound can also be described in terms of _____.

a. frequency c. amplitude
b. velocity d. wavelength

What’s In

Before we proceed with the main topic, let us have a review of waves by doing the
following activities.

Directions: Label the parts of the transverse wave given below. Choose the
correct answer from the words opposite the illustration.

PART A. Name the parts of a transverse wave.

Parts of a Transverse Wave

Trough

Amplitude

Crest

Wavelength

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Amazing Waves
PART B.
Directions: Complete the word to identify the statement being described in the
following. Choose the correct answer from the words given below.

1. A _ _ _ E is a periodic disturbance that moves away from a source and carries

energy with it.
2. Transverse waves move up and down in patterns that have highest points called
_R___.
3. The lowest points of a wave is called _ R _ U _ H .
4. The height of a crest or trough is called the _ M _ _ _ _ U _ _.
5. The distance between any two troughs or crests is called the _ _ V _ _ _ N _ _ _.
6. L _ _ G _ _ _ D _ _ _ _ waves occur when the individual particles of a medium
vibrate back and forth in the direction in which the waves travel.
7. Sound is also known as _ E _ _ _ N _ _ _ _ wave.
8. _ _ E _ _ E _ _ _ is the number of waves that pass a particular point every one
second.
9. Waves on the surface of water are called T _ _ _ _ _ _ R _ _ waves.
10. _ O _ _ _ waves are examples of longitudinal waves.

Transverse Sound Wave

Frequency Crest Trough
Amplitude Wavelength Transverse
Longitudinal Mechanical

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What’s New

Activity 1: Humming a Tune

1. Hum your favorite song and place
your fingers on your throat.
Observe and discuss what you
feel. (Write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper).

Activity 2: Making Pop Gun

Materials: TAKE Handle all sharp
Sheet of stiff paper 30 cm by 40 cm CARE! objects with care.
Scissors
Ruler
Objective: Make a loud “bang” by a pop gun out of a sheet of paper.

Procedure:
2. Fold the cor- 3. Fold the paper in half
1. Fold the longer edg- ners into the long the first fold. Then fold
es of the paper together first fold. it in half again, lengthwise.

First fold
Fold here First fold

4. Open out the second fold. 5. Fold down the

two sharp corners.

7. Grip the pop gun firmly by the two

Second fold sharp corners.
Sharp corner Flick it down quick-
ly to make a loud
6. Fold the paper back
along the second fold to
make a triangle shape.

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As you perform the two activities, you are able to produce sound.
When we talk or make any sounds, our vocal cords vibrate. When
there are no vibrations felt, no sound is produced. This means that
sounds are caused by vibrations. Vibrations of molecules are the to-and-fro or back-
and-forth movement of molecules. Sound waves are examples of longitudinal waves.
They are also known as mechanical waves since sound waves need medium in order
to propagate. Meanwhile, the pop gun produces a quick and large movement of the
air which formed a sudden and powerful sound wave.

What is It

The Nature of Sound

Sound is about vibrations, it is a disturbance that travels through a medium as a

wave. Sound is an example of a longitudinal wave. It is also known as a mechanical
wave. Thus there has to be matter for which sound should travel and propagate. This
matter is better known as medium. Sound can travel in solid, liquid, and gas but not in a
vacuum ( a space without matter ). Sound is more distinct in solids than in air. This also
means that sound is heard much louder when it travels in solids than in air.

Solid Liquid Gas

Figure 1. Molecules of different media
As you can see in Figure 1, particles of solids are more closely packed than
particles of liquid and gas. This is why sound produced in solids is much more distinct
and loud than when it is propagated or produced in liquids and gas. Between liquids and
gases, liquid particles appear more closely spaced than gases. This means that louder
sound will produced in liquids than in gases. Since solid is the best transmitter of sound,
sound travels fastest in solid and slowest in gases.

Sound speed is dependent on three factors: (1) atmospheric pressure, (2) relative
humidity, and (3) atmospheric temperature. High values of these elements lead to faster
moving sound.

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Did you know?
Sound cannot travel in a vacuum. Remember that sound is a mechanical wave
which needs a medium in order to propagate. If there is no matter, there is no sound.
In the outer space, sound would not be transmitted.

Characteristics of Sound

Before we proceed with the discussion of the characteristics of sound, let us have
a recap of the following terms: wavelength, velocity, and amplitude.

The wavelength of a wave refers to the distance between any successive identical
parts of the wave. For instance, the distance from one crest to the next is equal to one
full wavelength or the distance from one trough to the next is equal to one full
wavelength.

The amplitude is the maximum displacement of a vibrating particle on either side

of its normal position when the wave passes, it is the height of the wave.

Figure 2. Parts of a Wave

The velocity of sound is the distance traveled per unit time by a sound wave
propagating through a medium. The velocity of sound is 343 meters per second (343
m/s) in dry air at normal atmospheric conditions. It can only be changed by altering the
medium or the properties of the medium.

Formula: velocity = wavelength x frequency In symbol: v = λ x f

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How do sounds differ? The clap of thunder may be very loud, a whisper may be
soft and low. A dog’s growl is like a deep bass, the sound of a jackhammer is a noise that
seems to break the eardrum. Some voices have pleasing quality, while others are harsh
or grating. These examples indicates that sounds differ. Each is distinct from the others.
Sound may be regarded as “fingerprints” of the persons or objects producing them. They
differ from one another in three ways namely: (a) loudness or intensity, (b) pitch, and
(c) quality.

Loudness and Intensity

Intensity of the sound is the amount of energy a sound wave carries. High amplitude
carry large amount of energy and have higher intensity. On the other hand, low amplitude
sound carry less amount of energy and have lower intensity. The intensity of sound is
proportional to the square of the amplitude of sound wave. This means that as amplitude
of sound becomes doubled, then loudness of sound becomes quadrupled. Sound
intensity is objective and is measured by various instruments like the oscilloscope.
However, the subjective judgment of a person on the intensity of sound is
called loudness.

Loudness is a psychological sensation Pleasant or Soft Sound

that differs for different people. A logarithmic
scale is used to describe sound intensity,
which roughly corresponds to loudness.
Loud Sound

Loudness is how soft or how intense

(how loud) the sound is as perceived by the
ear and interpreted by the brain. The unit of Noise
intensity level for sound is the decibel (dB),
which was named after Alexander Graham
Bell who invented the telephone.
Figure 3. Varying sounds

Father and son duo interprets the

loudness of a sound differently. The son
considers the rock music a soft music while
the father considers it a loud sound. The
father may even interpret the sound as a
distorted sound, which is known as noise.
Noise is wave that is not pleasing to the
senses. Son
Father

Figure 4. Father and Son Duo

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Table 2. Sound Levels, Description and Examples
Range
(dB) Description Examples
This is the threshold of human hearing, up to the sound of a
0-30 Very Quiet
quiet whisper.
This is an average quiet house, with maybe the sound of a
31 - 50 Quiet
fridge running or someone moving around.
51 - 70 Normal Regular daily sounds like people talking.
This is the point where a sound becomes annoying or
71 - 90 Loud distracting. Vacuums or a noisy car on a busy street are at
these levels.
Most people will try to avoid being in areas this loud.
91 - 110 Very Loud Prolonged exposure can cause permanent ear damage.
Temporary effects, like "stereo hiss", may happen.
Even limited exposure to levels this high will cause
111 + Painful!!!
permanent hearing loss.

Did you know?

There is danger to hearing loud sounds. The high intensity sound energy
destroy tiny hair cells in the inner ear. These cells slowly worn down and when
depleted it will never be restored. For this reason, it is important to avoid
unnecessary noise. Avoid exposing yourself to places or events that can damage
your ear. This is the time to start caring for your ears because the extent of hearing
loss becomes fully evident only when you reach old age.

GUIDE QUESTION No. 1

Since the Loudness or Intensity of sound has something to do with the
amplitude of a wave, identify which diagram illustrates a low amplitude and high
amplitude? (Amplitude is the height of the wave)

A. ____________________________ B. ____________________________

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High amplitude shows tall or high wave, (high intensity,
greater energy, loud sound) low amplitude shows small or short
wave ( low intensity, low energy, soft sound).

Pitch
Some sounds are low others are high. The highness or lowness of sound is called
pitch, a characteristic determined by our senses. This depends on the frequency of
vibrations of the waves. If the frequency of vibration is higher, we say that the sound is
shrill and has a high pitch. On the other hand, if the sound is said to have a lower pitch,
then it has a lower frequency of vibration. A bird produces a high pitch sound whereas
roaring of a lion is a low pitched sound. The higher the frequency of a sound, the higher
the pitch.

High Frequency / High Pitch Low Frequency / Low Pitch

Figure 5. Frequency/Pitch of Sound

GUIDE QUESTION No. 2

Since the Pitch of sound has something to do with the frequency of sound
wave, identify which diagram illustrates a low frequency and which illustrates a
high frequency.

A. ____________________________ B. ____________________________

High frequency shows short wavelength, (high pitch, sound move

fast, waves are close to each other) low frequency shows long
wavelength (low pitch, sound move slow, waves has greater distance).

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Did you know?
In general, a high-pitched sound is often unheard to an older person, than it is to
a younger one because as a person gets older, the limits of his hearing range
diminishes, causing him to have difficulty hearing sounds at higher frequencies. It is
then important for you to understand your parents as they reach this stage and be
patient with them.

Quality
If a piano and violin are played at the same time at the same pitch, can you
distinguish the sound produced by each instrument? Sound quality (timbre) distinguishes
sound from one another. Two sounds of the same pitch may not sound the same. The
quality of sound is determined by the velocity (Unit: meter/second) of the sound.

Different materials have different velocity, that is why a saxophone, which is made
of steel, has a different sound quality compared to a flute, which is made up of wood.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SOUND

WAVELENGTH VELOCITY AMPLITUDE

• distance between • speed of the • is the maximum

two successive disturbance as it displacement of a
crests or troughs of moves through the vibrating particle on
a wave medium’s either side of its
molecules not the normal position
• related to pitch as
speed of the when the wave
to frequency
molecules passes, it is the
• higher frequency, height of the wave.
• different materials
higher pitch
produces different • loudness of sound
quality of sound
• high amplitude,
loud sound

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What’s More

Independent Activity 1

Directions: Fill in the missing parts of the given graphic organizer to complete the
entire concept of the nature of sound.

Sound is about ________________.

Sound is an example of LONGITUDINAL WAVE

Sound is also known as __________.

Sound travels through:

Gas

Examples: Examples: Examples:

1. table 1. water 1. carbon dioxide
2. 2. 2.
3. 3. 3.

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\

Answer Key

.Q9 Pitch of sound is affected by thickness of the rubber bands and the amount of .stretch
.Q8 On the shorter side, the pitch is .higher On the longer side, the pitch is .lower
Q7. .Yes The pitch is higher
.Q6 Yes
the rubber .bands
.bands Loudness and softness of sound on the other hand is affected by the force in plucking
.Q5 Pitch is dependent on the thickness or thinness of the string and on the stretching of the rubber
apply greater force in plucking the rubber .bands
.Q4 To make a softer sound, apply small force in plucking the rubber .bands To make a louder sound,
lower the .tone
.Q3 The thinner the rubber band, the louder the sound .produced The thicker the rubber band, the
Q2. .Yes
.Q1 Produced .sound
Independent Activity 2

.10 water vapor

and more
.9 air Sound .10
.8 blood Transverse .9
and more
.7 milk Frequency .8 B .15
.6 Drums Mechanical .7 C .14
and more
Chairs.5 Longitudinal .6 B .13
Liquid .4 Wavelength .5 C .12
In any order
Solid .3 Amplitude .4 A .11
Sound .6 Mechanical Waves .2 Trough .3 A .10
Liquid .5 Vibrations .1 Crest .2 A .9
Vacuum .4 Independent Activity 1 Wave .1 D .8
Mechanical Wave .3 PART B C .7
ACROSS High Frequency .B Amplitude .5 D .6
Solid .6 Low Frequency .A Wavelength .4 D .5
Vibration .2 Guide Question .No 2 Wavelength .3 A .4
Gas .1 Trough .2 D .3
DOWN High Amplitude .B Crest .1 B .2
Assessment 1 Low Amplitude .A PART A. A .1
Independent Guide Question .No 1
Amazing Waves What I Know

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Answer Key

.10

.9

.8
C .15
.7 C .14
C .13
.6 B .12
D .11
.5 C .10
A .9

.4 A .8
C .7

.15 Wavelength 3. D .6
C .5
.14 Frequency
.13 Amplitude
2. A .4
C .3
.12 Quality A .2
.1
.11 Pitch B .1
Any order
Intensity Additional activity Assessment
Loudness/ .10
Slowest .9 Frequency .10
E .9
Fastest .8
E .8
Vacuum .7 A, D .3
E .7
Gas .6 C, E .2
E .6
Any order Liquid .5 B, F .1
E .5
Solid .4 Independent Assessment 3
D .4
Medium .3 D .3
Longitudinal .2 Higher pitch .2 A .2
Vibration .1 Lower pitch .1 A .1
Sum it Up Challenge Assessment 2
Independent Activity 3 Independent