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The science of sound
Making the Invisible Visible: A Closer Look at Sound Waves
Music and science are more connected than they might seem. When a musician plucks a string, blows into a flute, or taps a drum, it sets off a chain reaction of vibrations that move through the air. Those vibrations travel as sound waves, which our ears and brains interpret as music. Behind every note is physics in motion, and behind every discovery is often a spark of creativity.
Sound waves are created when an object vibrates, causing nearby particles in a medium like air to vibrate as well. These vibrations travel as waves, allowing us to hear sound. But in space, where molecules are incredibly sparse, sound cannot travel the way it does on Earth. Space itself is (almost) silent.
Inside the International Space Station, however, sound can still exist because the station is filled with air. Astronauts have brought instruments with them to space as a way to stay connected to home, to create, and to explore in new ways. Cady Coleman played her flute in orbit. Chris Hadfield strummed a guitar. Don Pettit was actually built and played a didgeridoo using onboard materials! These moments remind us that creativity is an integral part of science, and that it travels with us, even beyond Earth.
Microgravity, the weightless condition experienced on the ISS, changes the balance of forces, including sound, affecting how objects move and interact. It's worth considering: how does microgravity affect sound waves? Could vibration or resonance be used in new ways?
This lesson explores the properties of sound through motion, vibration, and frequency. Using instruments and everyday materials, you’ll make sound visible by observing how it moves objects, like sprinkles on a cup lid. As a challenge, try designing a device that could move or shake an object in microgravity using sound or vibration alone.
Dancing sprinkles
Play some tunes and see what you can move—no hands needed!
Materials
- Small, round cake sprinkles
- Plastic wrap
- Small bowl
- Variety of musical instruments (or supplies to make your own instrument!)
Procedure
- Stretch plastic wrap over a small bowl, so that it is tight with no wrinkles in the plastic
- Pour cupcake sprinkles over the top, pushing plastic down lightly in the center of the saran wrap. This dent will keep the sprinkles from running away!
- Play music, and instrument, sing, or strike a tuning fork near the Saran wrapped bowl.
- Change the volume and see what happens! Now change the pitch!
- Switch out the sprinkles with something a little heavier, like plastic beads. Try it again!
What do you think?
You just saw how sound energy moves through air! The vibrations of air carry force, and create motion. Changing the pitch or volume of the sound changes the motion of the object in its path.
Higher-pitched sounds have a higher frequency, meaning the sound waves are vibrating faster. These rapid vibrations can transfer more energy in a shorter amount of time, which may cause small, lightweight objects like sprinkles to move more quickly or bounce more noticeably.
Not exactly. In microgravity, there is no downward force pulling the sprinkles back onto the plastic wrap. That means even small vibrations could send them drifting away. The lack of gravity would change how energy from sound waves interacts with the objects, possibly making movement more noticeable or harder to control.
Understanding how sound and vibration move through materials helps engineers design and test equipment for spacecraft. Vibrations can affect instruments, tools, and even astronaut health. Scientists also use sound-based tools, like acoustic sensors, to detect motion, study materials, or monitor conditions inside spacecraft, especially in places where other sensing tools might not work.
Construct a device that will move an object in microgravity using only sound waves- no touching allo
Guidelines:
- Maximum volume: 10 cm³ (your entire device must fit within this space)
- Maximum weight: 2 kg
- No hazardous materials: This includes glass, sharp edges, or breakables
- Containment required: All parts and materials must remain inside the 10 cm³ space during weightlessness
Use what you've learned about how sound carries energy and causes motion. Think like an engineer designing for space. How will your device make something move without gravity? What kind of sound works best? How will you control it?
Test. Tweak. Try again. Let the vibrations do the work!
Sound Waves in Zero-G!
Sound Waves in Zero-G!
Sound Waves in Zero-G!
Ms. Werner's students built a device to move confetti in microgravity. See the results!
Acoustic Levitation
Sound Waves in Zero-G!
Sound Waves in Zero-G!
Acoustic Levitation: Using sound waves to counteract gravity.
The Sound of Space
Sound Waves in Zero-G!
The Sound of Space
Space, the vacuum we've always been told is silent, is actually filled with sound. Eerie melodies that tell the story of cosmic violence and creation.
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