Tie each of the strings to the corners of the coat hanger.
Wrap your right index finger around one of the strings and wrap your other index finger around the other string. Hold the end of the string so that the coat hanger hangs between your hands.
Gently knock the coat hanger on a hard surface. What do you hear? Is the sound loud or soft?
Put your fingers in your ears and gently knock the coat hanger on a hard surface.
Does the sound get louder? Why?
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Get the Unit of Work on Sound here!
- What is amplitude?
- What is frequency?
- How does sound travel and what does it look like and more!
Includes cross-curricular teaching ideas, student quizzes, a sample marking rubric, scope & sequences & more
Why Does This Happen?
Sound is produced by vibrations. Vibrations travel faster through solids than they do through liquids or gasesKnocking the coat hanger against the surface makes the coat hanger vibrate. The vibrations travelled faster to your ear through the vibrating strings because they are solid.
This is the reason why earthquakes can be detected hundreds of kilometres from their source. You can find out how seismographs are used to detect earthquake vibrations by visiting Geoscience Australia.
Variables to test
- What happens when you use a plastic coathanger?
- Vary the type of string or exchange it for wool or fishing line
- Does the surface that you hit the coathanger against make a difference?
- Try other objects tied to the string. Do they sound the same?
From frequency & amplitude through to echoes & wave distortions, we’ve got your unit on sound covered!
Get in touch with FizzicsEd to find out how we can work with your class.
Light & Sound
Years 1 to 6
Maximum 30 students
Workshop or Show (NSW & VIC)
60 minute show or 90 minute workshop
Online Class Available
STEM Full Day Accelerator - Primary
Designed from real classroom experiences, this modular day helps you create consistently effective science learning that directly address the new curriculum with easily accessible and cost-effective materials.
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