Waves and Sound
Waves are the language of motion in physics: they transfer energy without carrying matter along for the ride. Sound is one of the most familiar examples, but the same ideas show up in interference, resonance, and the patterns that shape musical notes and everyday noise. Start with the core vocabulary, then use interactive tools and labs to see how changing one property changes the whole wave.
Learning Path
Science: Waves and Sound
A structured overview of wave basics, sound properties, and the vocabulary you'll use throughout the topic.
Open →Wave Explorer
Manipulate wave properties and watch how amplitude, frequency, and wavelength change in real time.
Open →Standing Waves Lab
Investigate resonance and node/antinode patterns to see how standing waves form on strings and in air columns.
Open →Waves & Sound
Keep these core ideas handy as you work through the topic.
- Frequency determines pitch, while amplitude is linked to loudness.
- Wavelength and wave speed are connected through the wave equation.
- Sound needs a medium, so it does not travel through a vacuum.
More Resources
Tools
Labs
Worksheets
Cheat Sheets
Infographics
Explainers
Common Questions
What is the difference between frequency and amplitude?
Frequency is how many wave cycles pass a point each second and is related to pitch. Amplitude is the height of the wave and is related to loudness or intensity.
Why can sound travel through air but not through space?
Sound is a mechanical wave, so it needs particles to vibrate and pass energy along. In space there is no material medium, so sound cannot propagate.