WHAT IS A WAVE?

If we look at many different types of waves, we find that they can be classified
according to the orientation of the wave oscillations with respect to the general
By definition, a wave is a travelling disturbance consisting of coordinated vibrations direction of wave propagation. One way to demonstrate this classification is by doing
or oscillations that transmit energy through matter. It disturbs the particles of matter a Slinky (or Magic Spring) exercise, as illustrated below. You may perform this in
as it passes, making them move back and forth, but not resulting into a net class or use another material, like rope or string. As illustrated, the hand vibrates the
movement of the matter. How is this evident in the wave machine? When one lifted a
in the illustration a red arrow, noted by 𝑣, found on the far right. This indicates the
slinky. The direction of its motion is denoted by the black arrow. You will also notice
barbell at the end of the wave machine, the energy was transmitted from the
displaced barbell to the next barbell, and then to the next barbell, and so on. As a general direction of the wave propagation. Observe both illustrations closely before
wave pulse propagated, the gummy bears remained in their position in space, reading on.
meaning the gummy bears themselves did not travel down the length of the wave �
machine. The energy that was transferred through the wave was what was observed �
to travel along the medium.

HOW DO WAVES PROPAGATE?

The substance through which such waves travel (or propagate) is called a medium.
In the activity, which do you think represented the medium of the wave? The wave
machine (the combination of the duct tape and barbells) itself represented the
medium of the wave, while the barbells were the interacting particles of the wave.

Classification according to the Medium of Propagation �

�
Many waves, like the one observed in the wave machine, require a medium to
propagate. Such waves are called mechanical waves, examples of which are
sound, water ripples, and waves on a rope. They cannot exist in a vacuum. On the
other hand, there are some waves that do not require a medium to propagate, hence
can travel through a vacuum. These special waves are called electromagnetic
What have you observed on the first illustration (picture A)? Look closely at the
waves (EM waves). Light, microwaves, and x-rays are examples of EM waves.

the right most part (with notation, 𝑣) that shows the direction in which the wave
movement of the hand, as shown by the arrows. This time, consider the red arrow at
Classification according to the Mode of Propagation
moves. What can you say about its movement compared to the movement of the
A wave can be short and fleeting, called a wave pulse, or steady and repeating hand and the general direction of wave propagation? The wave being exhibited in
called a continuous wave. How will you classify the waves generated by the wave the first illustration is called a transverse wave because the direction of how the
machine? The sound of a bursting balloon, a tsunami, or a light from a camera flash wave travels in the medium is perpendicular (transverse) to the direction of how the
are examples of wave pulses. In contrast, the waves generated by the wave machine wave is produced. Do you notice the highest peaks and lowest points generated by a
shows a continuous wave because it looks like a series or “train” of wave pulses one transverse waves? We call them crests and troughs, respectively.
after another.

Classification according to the Orientation of Propagation

Similarly, observe the movement of the hand on the second illustration (picture B). TIME-RELATED PARAMETERS

What can you say about the direction of oscillation (hand) and the general direction FLAGSHIP FACTS The first set of parameters of a
of wave propagation (𝑣) this time? Are they in the same direction? wave involves the element of time.
keywords to remember Reading on, you will learn that
It can be observed that the direction of oscillation (hand) moves from left to right, in a frequency and period are reciprocal
parallel direction as the general direction of the wave propagation. When a wave to each other but they simply
travels in a medium parallel to the direction of how it has been produced, it is a pertain to the same basic concept
longitudinal wave. Look closely on the coils of the Slinky in a longitudinal wave. Do TYPES OF WAVES of time in relation to the concept of
you see any differences? There are portions where the coils are closed or wave.
compressed together while in some areas, the coils are spread apart. The regions
where the coils are squeezedtogether are called compressions, and the regions Frequency
A. according to Medium of Propagation
where they are spread apart are called rarefactions or expansions.
 Mechanical – requires a medium Earlier, you let the students count
In the wave machine, what direction does the barbells vibrate relative to the direction  Electromagnetic – does not require a the upward and downward curves
of the wave? To help the students decide on what type of wave it generated, choose medium generated by the wave machine in
a particular gummy bear from the wave machine. Keep an eye on that gummy bear three (3) seconds. How many had
and describe its motion. This is useful for students to see that the medium does not they counted? Divide this number
travel with the wave. Moreover, by three (3). By doing this, they are
B. according to the Mode of Propagation actually measuring the frequency of
the movement of the waves resembles a transverse wave, wherein the upward  Pulse – short and fleeting wave the wave. It refers to the number of
curves represent the crests of the waves, while the downward curves are the complete cycles of a wave passing
troughs.
 Continuous – steady and
repeating wave a point per unit time or simply, the
number of oscillations per second
Not all waves are purely transverse or purely longitudinal. A surface wave exhibits
C. according to the Orientation in the wave, as shown below:
both characteristics of transverse and longitudinal waves. Examples of which are
of Propagation
ocean waves, water ripples, and Rayleigh seismic waves.
 Transverse – perpendicular to wave
In addition to the types of waves, other important parameters of a continuous wave motion
can be measured: time-related parameters, length-related parameters, and the
speed of the wave. o Crest – highest peaks
o Trough – lowest points
 Longitudinal – parallel to
wave motion
o Compression – close together
o Rarefaction – spread apart
 Surface – combination of
transverse and longitudinal
 Going back to the wave machine, what were the comparisons in the waves
generated when a barbell is displaced far the rest positions and when it was
displaced near the rest positions? Which has a greater displacement from the
equilibrium position of the wave machine? What do you think is the parameter
being measured in this scenario?

At any moment, the barbells are generally displaced from their equilibrium
positions at varying distances. Some will have wide displacements while other
may have narrow displacements. The maximum displacement is called the
amplitude (A) of the wave. It is a measure of how far the particles are being
The numerator part of the frequency indicates the count of cycles or oscillations. It
moved or disturbed from their resting position. In a transverse wave, it is
does not have a particular unit. On the other hand, the denominator side specifically
measured from the equilibrium position to the height of a crest or trough, which
refers to a unit of time;
are the same for a pure wave. The amplitude of a longitudinal wave, on the other
hence, its unit is seconds or (s). The expression [1/𝑠] is commonly referred to as hand, is measured from the point in the compression where the particles are
hertz (Hz), named after Heinrich Rudolf Hertz, who was the first to provide closest to the point in the next compression where, again, the particles are
evidence of the existence of electromagnetic waves. Hence, closest.

For water waves, it can be a few millimeters for ripples to tens of meters for
ocean waves. When we hear a sound, its loudness depends on the amplitude of
the sound wave; louder sounds have bigger amplitudes.

Period
Wavelength
Frequency is inversely proportional to period (T), or the time it takes to complete Another parameter that describes a wave is wavelength, denoted by λ (Greek
cycle. Period is usually expressed in terms of seconds, since it is a unit of time. letter, lambda). Wavelength is the distance between two successive similar
points on a wave. For example, a wavelength is the distance between two
adjacent crests or two adjacent troughs of a transverse wave. On the other
hand, wavelength of a longitudinal wave is the distance between two
consecutive compressions or two consecutive rarefactions. Since wavelength
represents a distance, its unit is in meters (m).
LENGTH-RELATED PARAMETERS

The second set of parameters involves measuring how far the particles of the
medium have travelled when the energy of the wave passes through the medium.

Amplitude
 How is this shown in the activity Gummy Bear Wave Machine? Recall that Task 4 of
the activity asked you to generate wave pulses: first, by flicking quickly then by slow
up and down motion of the barbells. In both scenarios, you were also asked count
the number of upward and downward curves. What did you notice?

Perhaps unknown to you, that the speed of the wave for both scenarios were
relatively constant because the medium did not change. During the quick flicking,
many wave pulses were generated (high frequency) but they were shorter (short
wavelength). On the other hand, the wave pulses
Amplitude and wavelength are independent of each other: a short-wavelength
wave may have a small or large amplitude. On the other hand, a longer
wavelength can also have a small or large amplitude. Can you demonstrate the were generated by the slow up and down motion were only few (low frequency) but
combination of these waves using the wave machine? each pulse was longer (longer wavelength).

SPEED OF THE WAVE Generation of Wave Pulse Number of Pulses Length of Pulses
Combining the time-related and length-related parameters, we can derive the speed quick flicking many (high frequency) short (short wavelength)
of the wave using the general definition of speed, as shown below:
slow up and down motion few (low frequency) long (long wavelength)
Density of the Medium
Finally, to exhibit changes in wave speed, the wave must pass into a different
medium. This can be observed when the gummy bears were removed from the
where the distance refers to the wavelength and time refers to the period of the sticks on the half portion of the wave machine, as instructed in the Task 5 of the
wave. Substituting all the variables, the speed of the wave is given by: activity. The wave comes from a region containing gummy bears (high density)
to a region without gummy bears (low density). The wave is observed to speed
up in the gummy bear-free region. Do you have the same observations? Why
do you think so?
Going back to the initial definition, a wave travels by disturbing the particles of
According to the equation, when two waves have equal speeds, the wave with a
the medium, in the case of the mechanical waves. The First Law of Motion – the
higher frequency must have proportionally shorter wavelengths. Conversely, waves Law of Inertia suggests that massive objects are harder to move. Relating this to
with lower frequency must have proportionally longer wavelengths. Hence, wave speed, the area of high density has particles which are more massive;
wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional to each other, hence, more wave energy is needed to disturb them from their resting position.
In the area of less density, the particles are easier to disturb, hence less wave
energy is needed. This is the reason why the wave in the activity travelled faster
in the gummy bear-free region. The barbells move faster in the gummy bear-
free region, allowing the wave to move faster through it.
 In summary, the Gummy Bear Wave Machine enables the students to visualize the kinetic energy. Thus, sound energy travels outward from the source.
an actual motion of a wave. It also helps them differentiate types of waves
according to the medium of propagation (mechanical vs. electromagnetic), the SOUND AS ENERGY CARRIERS
mode of propagation (pulse vs. continuous), and the orientation of propagation Sound waves carry energy,
(transverse vs. longitudinal vs. surface waves). Moreover, the different wave as all waves do. This means that the source of the sound must supply energy. Let
properties – frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and period are being the students blow the Popsicle Harmonica again. Compare the differences in the
demonstrated using the wave machine. sound produced when it is blown softer and then, harder. What did they notice? This
time, ask them to blow the Popsicle Harmonica longer. How long can they play it?
The frequency of the vibrating source and the frequency of the wave it produces are
the same. As you blow the Popsicle Harmonica harder, it transmits greater energy
and produces a louder sound. Speaking loudly or playing an instrument for extended
periods can tire you out because of this very reason. That is why, for continuous
sounds, it is more relevant to consider the power of the source since the energy must
be supplied continuously.
The sounds that we hear range from simple pure tones such as a steady whistle to
complicated and random waveforms like those heard on a noisy street. Most of the Here is another exciting activity! Divide
sound we hear is a combination of many sounds from different sources. But, how is yourselves into two groups: the music
sound really produced? Where does it come from? players and the music listeners. As the
name suggests, all the music players
will play the Popsicle Harmonica
PRODUCTION OF SOUND together. While the music listeners will
Sound is a pressure disturbance that moves through a medium . Hence, it is a
listen to the sound produced by the
form of mechanical wave. It is produced by something vibrating or causing
music players. After ten seconds, the
pressure variations in the air. In the Popsicle Harmonica challenge, the
music listeners will block their ears
vibrating paper causes the air around it to vibrate. Because the paper is flexible
using their hands. Repeat this activity
and loose, it distorts the vibrations, giving the harmonica its interesting sound.
twice. For music listeners, how do you
When it is held tightly or a hand is held against it, neither the paper nor the Two of our five human feel when you close your ears? Do you
Popsicle sticks can vibrate and the buzz sound disappears. senses are wave detectors: still hear the sound produced from the
the ear is sensitive to the Popsicle Harmonica? Why did this
tiny fluctuations in air happen? This is because our ears are
DIRECTION OF PROPAGATION pressure caused by amazing sound detector!
Sound waves are longitudinal waves in nature. As the source vibrates, a
periodic series of compressions and rarefactions is produced. Compression HUMAN HEARING
happens when particles are forced or pressed together. Rarefaction is just the How do our ears able to
opposite, it occurs when particles are given extra space and allowed to expand. hear sounds? As outer ACOUSTICS
Remember that sound is a type of kinetic energy. As the particles are moved ear captures the sound
from their rest position, they exert a force to the adjacent particles and pass waves, the sound waves is the Science concerned with the
production, control, transmission,
reception, and effects of sound. The
term is derived from the Greek word –
 travel through the ear us to distinguish between different types of sound. This is the reason why in the
canal to the middle ear, activity, when the music listeners closed their ears, they cannot hear anything. Since
which channels to the the sound waves were blocked, there was no stimulus that could trigger the series of
ear drum. Because events which starts from the eardrum, then to the small bones, to the ripples of the
sound wave is a fluid in the cochlea, to the “riding of the waves” of the hair fibers, and finally to the
pressure wave, it transmission of electric signals to the brain. If any part of this series of actions is
impaired, hearing will be compromised as well.
The pitch of a sound is the perception of its highness or
lowness. It depends primarily on the frequency of the sound
wave: the higher the frequency, the higher the pitch. PERCEPTION OF SOUND
When it comes to sound perception, it is important to consider how the
The loudness of a sound is determined mainly by the amplitude of physical properties of sound waves are related to the mental impressions we
the sound wave. The greater the amplitude of the sound wave have when we hear sound. The main categories that we use to describe sounds
subjectively are pitch, loudness, and tone quality.
that reaches your eardrums, the greater the perceived loudness of
the sound. The S.I. unit of sound level is in terms of decibel (dB).
vibrates the eardrum by
pushing it. Just behind
the eardrum are three The tone quality (also referred as timbre or tone color) of a
tiny bones–anvil, sound is used to distinguish two different sounds even though
hammer, and stirrup– they have the same pitch and loudness. It depends primarily on
which are in turn being the waveform of the sound wave.
pushed following the
rhythm of the eardrum.

The human ear responds to sound waves within a limited range of frequencies.
At the end of the tiny bones is the cochlea, a snail-shaped membrane filled with fluid. The audible frequency range is from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz).
When the stirrup moves, it pushes the fluid-filled cochlea. This causes the fluid inside
the cochlea to vibrate and form ripples, similar to how water inside a drum vibrates
The terms infrasound and ultrasound refer to sound waves with frequencies below
when you hammer it. Submerged in the fluid and attached to the walls of the cochlea
20 Hz and above 20 kHz, respectively. Age-related hearing loss is common and
are special hair fibers. These hair fibers “ride” the waves created by the ripples of the
affects primarily the high frequencies. Such is the reason why it is difficult for some
fluid, just like how seaweeds move with the movement of sea waves. The movement
older people to understand speech. Repeated and prolonged exposure to loud
of the hair fibers initiates an electrical reaction, which triggers the release of
sounds can also cause hearing loss.
chemicals called neurotransmitters.
The audible ranges for animals can be quite different. Most mammals can hear
The neurotransmitters bind to the auditory nerve, which in turn, creates electrical
frequencies much higher than we can. Dogs can hear frequencies as high as 50 kHz,
signals leading to the brain. The brain then interprets the electrical signals allowing
which is why we can make a dog whistle that is inaudible to humans. Bats and
bottlenose dolphins (animals which use echolocation method to communicate) can rustling leaves 10 dB Barely audible
hear frequencies above 100 kHz. Dolphins rely on hearing more than sight for
navigation. Some animals can hear frequencies lower than humans can. Elephants 0 dB
and rhinoceri can hear frequencies down to about 14 Hz and 10 Hz, respectively.

In terms of loudness, the range o f sound levels that humans are normally exposed is Loud sounds can not only damage your hearing but also affect the physiological
from 0 decibel to 120 decibel (0 dB – 120 dB). The sound level of the quietest sound that can and psychological balance of your body. Constant exposure to loud or annoying
be heard under ideal conditions is 0 decibel or the threshold of hearing, while the sound sounds puts your body under stress for long periods of time and consequently
level at 120 dB is the threshold of pain, where sound levels are too high causing pain in the jeopardizes your physical and mental well-being.
ears and can result in immediate damage to them.

The table below shows various sources of sound with their respective PROPAGATION OF SOUNDS IN THE PHASE OF MATTER
approximate decibel scale level:
Sound Source Decibel Scale Level Everything is made of molecules—air, solids, and liquids. Sound starts with a
vibration that travels through molecules in waves. How is sound waves being
jet take-off (60 m) 120 dB propagated through the medium? Particles in the medium are disturbed from
their equilibrium positions as the wave passes, returning to their equilibrium
construction site 110 Intolerable
positions after the wave has passed. From the vibrating source, rhythmic patterns
dB
of compressed and rarefied air emanate. The resulting vibrating air sets your
shout (1.5 m) 100 dB
eardrum into vibration. Your eardrum passes the vibrations along through a
heavy truck (15 m) 90 dB Very loud series of tiny bones, then to cochlea and eventually being processed in the brain
and interpreted as sound.
urban street 80 dB
How do this relate to the speed of sound in a particular medium? By definition,
automobile interior 70 dB Noisy
the speed of sound is the distance travelled per unit time by a sound wave as it
normal conversation (1 m) 60 dB propagates through a medium. In our common everyday speech, the speed of
sound refers to the speed of sound waves in air. However, the speed of sound
office, classroom 50 dB Moderate varies from substance to substance. It travels most slowly in gases, faster in
living room 40 dB liquids, but fastest on solids.

bedroom at night 30 dB Quiet

FACTORS AFFECTING THE SPEED OF SOUND
broadcast studio 20 dB
Many factors influence the speed of sound such as – how close the molecules
 are, how heavy the molecules are, how hot the medium is, and in what state made up of kinetic energy. It takes more energy to make large molecules vibrate
(solid, liquid, or gas) it is in. This means that the speed of sound will vary with the than it does to make smaller molecules vibrate. Thus, sound will travel at a slower
properties of the material through which that sound wave is traveling. What are rate in the denser object if they have the same elastic properties. For instance,
these factors? Let us discuss two of them in this lesson. sound travels about 1.41 times faster in light hydrogen (protium) gas than I heavy
hydrogen (deuterium) gas, since deuterium has similar properties but twice the
Elasticity density.

In solids, the speed of sound depends on the elasticity and density of the
medium through which it is traveling. The greater the elasticity and the lower the
density, the faster sound travels in a medium. The mathematical relationship is
given by:

How will you link this mathematical relationship to the results of the Sound Race
activity? Why does the sound wave travel fastest in solids compared to the other
two? Can you describe the composition of solid materials and relate that two the
variables affecting the speed of sound?

In solids, the particles are closely packed to each other making its shape more rigid
compared to fluids. Since sound waves involve the transfer of kinetic energy between
adjacent molecules, the closer those molecules are to each other, the faster the sound
travels. Solids are elastic materials, as well. They are able to maintain their shape even when
you apply force on it. Materials with higher elastic properties, like in most metals, return to
their normal shape faster and thus, they can vibrate at higher speeds making it easier for
sound to travel through them. That is the reason why, sound travels much faster through
lead, for example, than rubber, which has very low elastic properties, even though they are
both solids

Density

The density of a medium is the second factor that affects the speed of sound.
Density describes the mass of a substance per volume. If a material is denser
because its molecules are larger, it will transmit sound slower. Sound waves are