Year 7 Science · Unit 3 · Lesson 16

Sound Waves

Foundation Worksheet

Name

Date

Class

Learning Goals

Describe sound as a longitudinal wave that requires a medium to travel.
Explain how frequency determines pitch and amplitude determines volume.
Identify compressions and rarefactions in a sound wave.

Warm Up

Match each term to its definition

Draw a line connecting each term on the left to its correct definition on the right. Or write the matching letter next to each term.

Term	Your answer	Definition
Longitudinal wave		A. A region of low pressure in a sound wave where particles are spread apart
Frequency		B. The size of the vibration — how far particles move from their rest position; controls volume
Amplitude		C. A space that contains no matter — sound cannot travel through this
Compression		D. A wave where particles vibrate in the same direction as the wave travels
Rarefaction		E. The number of complete vibrations per second, measured in hertz (Hz); controls pitch
Vacuum		F. A region of high pressure in a sound wave where particles are pushed close together

Your Turn

Odd one out

Circle the item that does not belong in each group. Then explain why it doesn't fit.

#	Group	Your answer (odd one + reason)
1	Compression Rarefaction High pressure Transverse
2	Pitch Frequency Hertz Amplitude
3	Air Water Steel Vacuum

Show What You Know

1. A flute plays a very high, quiet note and a tuba plays a very low, loud note. Compare the frequency and amplitude of the two sound waves.

Recall 2 marks

2. Astronauts on a spacewalk outside the International Space Station cannot hear each other speak without a radio. Using the word "medium," explain why.

Recall 2 marks

Wrap Up

In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?