cheat sheet
Key Concepts + Memory Tricks
Read these, then cover them up and quiz yourself!
Compression
Where particles are packed CLOSE together (high density)
🧠 COMpression = COMpact. Like a mosh pit at the Eras Tour!
Rarefaction
Where particles are spread FAR apart (low density)
🧠 RARE-faction = RARE particles. Like Stars Hollow at 3am!
Frequency
How many wave cycles per second. High frequency = high pitch.
🧠 FREQuency = how FREQuently waves happen. Taylor's high notes = high frequency!
Amplitude
Height of wave = LOUDNESS. Bigger amplitude = louder sound.
🧠 AMPlitude = AMPlifier = VOLUME. Eleven's scream = BIG amplitude!
Wavelength
Distance of one full wave cycle. Short wavelength = high frequency.
🧠 Wavelength & frequency are on a SEESAW — one up, other down!
Medium
What sound travels through (air, water, solid). Sound CANNOT travel without one!
🧠 No Medium = No Sound. The Upside Down has air = you hear the Demogorgon. Space = silence!
Velocity
Speed of the wave — depends on the medium. Fastest through SOLIDS.
🧠 S-L-G = SoLids > Liquids > Gas. Like a SLuG (gas is slow like a slug!)
Inverse vs Direct
Inverse = one up, other down (seesaw). Direct = both go together (besties).
🧠 Wavelength & Frequency = frenemies (INVERSE). Frequency & Pitch = Rory & Lane (DIRECT besties)!
Sound Wave Relationships