Question

Characteristics of Sound
by Alecia Strohl

Sound is a form of energy made by vibrations. When something vibrates, it causes air particles to move and collide with other air particles. The movement is passed from one air particle to the next until it runs out of energy, creating a sound wave. If sound waves reach your ear, you hear sounds. Specific properties of sound, such as pitch and volume, can be affected by changing these vibrations. While sound can travel through solids, liquids, and gases, it travels best through the dense molecules of solids.

To investigate how sound travels through solids, a simple telephone made of two cups connected by a wire can be used. When one person talks into one cup, the sound travels through the wire, allowing the person on the other end to hear what is being said. Changes made to the thickness, length, and tension of the wire will affect the pitch and volume of the sound traveling through it. Thicker wire will vibrate slower and have a lower pitch, while thinner wire will vibrate faster and creating a higher pitch. The speed the sound waves are traveling is called the frequency. The height of the sound waves, or the amplitude, determines how loud a sound is to the listener. These vibrations of energy is what makes sound.

Based on information in the text, which explanation of sound is correct and could be part of a concluding section for this text?
Responses
A Sound travels in waves and requires a medium through which to travel. Frequency determines pitch, while amplitude determines volume.Sound travels in waves and requires a medium through which to travel. Frequency determines pitch, while amplitude determines volume.
B Sound can travel through solids, liquids, and gasses. It travels best through liquids, especially water. Amplitude describes height of a sound wave.Sound can travel through solids, liquids, and gasses. It travels best through liquids, especially water. Amplitude describes height of a sound wave.
C Sound waves travel through a wire when using a simple telephone. Amplitude is the speed of a sound wave, while frequency is the height of a sound wave.Sound waves travel through a wire when using a simple telephone. Amplitude is the speed of a sound wave, while frequency is the height of a sound wave.
D Sound can only travel when air particles are present. This can be seen by making a simple telephone. Air around the cans attract sound waves like magnets.Sound can only travel when air particles are present. This can be seen by making a simple telephone. Air around the cans attract sound waves like magnets.
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Answer 1

A

Choice A matches the text: sound travels in waves and needs a medium, and frequency relates to pitch while amplitude relates to volume.