Effects of Sound Waves (Cambridge International IGCSE Science)

Pitch & loudness

• Changes in amplitude and frequency affect the loudness and pitch of sound waves

• The frequency of a sound wave is related to its pitch

  • Sounds with a high pitch have a high frequency (or short wavelength)
  • Sounds with a low pitch have a low frequency (or long wavelength)

• The amplitude of a sound wave is related to its volume

  • Sounds with a large amplitude have a high volume
  • Sounds with a small amplitude have a low volume

Pitch and amplitude of sound

Echoes

• Sound waves reflect off hard surfaces

  • The reflection of a sound wave is called an echo

An example of an echo

A clap sound is reflected off a wall. When the reflected sound is heard this is the echo