The Electromagnetic Spectrum

What You'll Learn

Sound is a vibration that travels through matter as a wave. It cannot travel through a vacuum. Sound travels fastest through solids and slowest through gases.

Key Words

constraint
criteria

Materials Needed

straws
paper clips
rubber bands
string
cups
aluminum foil

Safety First

Use materials only as directed in the experiment.
Keep small objects away from young children.
Work in a well-ventilated area when using vinegar or other strong-smelling substances.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Read and learn: Sound is a vibration that travels through matter as a wave. It cannot travel through a vacuum. Sound travels fastest through solids and slowest through gases.

Step 2 — Do

Measure and record your data in a table.

Step 3 — Observe

Note any unexpected results.

Step 4 — Record

Share your findings with the class or a partner.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What determines the pitch of a sound?