The Physics Classroom: Sound Waves and Music: Sound Is a Mechanical Wave

Students explore and discover how sound is created through longitudinal waves.

Use this interactive physics tutorial to introduce students to the concepts of pitch and frequency in sound waves.

Students explore intensity of sound waves and the decibel scale in this interactive physics tutorial.

Students study animations and diagrams to learn about the reflection behavior of sound waves.

With videos, illustrated diagrams, and informational text, students learn about sound waves as forced vibrations.

Through animations, videos, and text, students discover that all objects have a natural frequency or set of frequencies at which they vibrate.

The focus of this physics tutorial is on the application of mathematical relationships and standing wave concepts to musical instruments in three general categories of instruments: instruments with vibrating strings, open-end air column...

Through illustrated diagrams and interactive practice examples, students explore the physics of sound in open-end air column musical instruments.

Through illustrated diagrams and interactive practice examples, students explore the physics of sound in closed-end air column musical instruments.

This physics tutorial focuses on the application of the Doppler effect to sound.