Science project

How Well Does Sound Travel Through a Gas? A Liquid? A Solid?

Research Questions:

Will a pencil tap heard through a bag of air sound different than a pencil tap heard through a bag of water? Will these taps sound different than a tap heard through a wooden block?

Materials:

  • Zippered sandwich bag
  • Water
  • Wooden block
  • Pencil

Experimental Procedure:

  1. Blow into the sandwich bag and quickly seal it to create a puffed up bag of air (a gas).
  2. Cover one ear with your hand and the other ear with the bag of air.
  3. Have an assisstant tap the bag with a pencil. How does it sound?
  4. Now fill the bag with water (a liquid) and seal it.
  5. Hold this water-filled bag against one ear while covering the other ear with your hand.
  6. Have your assistant tap this bag with a pencil. How does it sound?
  7. Finally hold a wooden block (a solid) over one ear while covering the other ear with your hand. Have your friend tap the block with the pencil. How does it sound?
  8. Compare and discuss your observations.

Terms/Concepts: Things exist in different states: gas, liquid. solid; Sound travels.

References: "How to Demonstrate Sound Waves to Kids," eHow Family

Disclaimer and Safety Precautions

Education.com provides the Science Fair Project Ideas for informational purposes only. Education.com does not make any guarantee or representation regarding the Science Fair Project Ideas and is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage, directly or indirectly, caused by your use of such information. By accessing the Science Fair Project Ideas, you waive and renounce any claims against Education.com that arise thereof. In addition, your access to Education.com's website and Science Fair Project Ideas is covered by Education.com's Privacy Policy and site Terms of Use, which include limitations on Education.com's liability.

Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your state's handbook of Science Safety.

Add to collection

Create new collection

Create new collection

New Collection

0

New Collection>

0 items