Explain that sound is produced by vibration and identify the factors which are required for the perception of sound
Sound is produced when an object vibrates, which causes particles of the surrounding medium (such as air) to move in a series of waves. These waves travel through the medium to a person’s ear, where they are detected by the ear’s sensitive structures.
The factors required for the perception of sound are:
1. A source of sound – an object or person must be vibrating in order to produce sound.
2. A medium – the particles of the medium (such as air or water) must be capable of carrying sound waves.
3. A receiver – the ear must be able to detect the sound waves and convert them into signals that can be interpreted by the brain.
4. An energy source – the energy source must be strong enough to cause the particles of the medium to vibrate and thus produce sound waves.