Pitch of Sounds

Question 1

Liam has two identical metal rods that he can strike with a small hammer. One rod is 8 cm long and the other is 12 cm long. Both rods have the same thickness and are made of the same material. Which rod will make the sound that is higher in pitch, and why?

Accepted Answer

The 8‑cm rod, because its shorter length makes it vibrate faster, giving a higher pitch.

Answer

The 12‑cm rod, because its longer length lets it vibrate faster, giving a higher pitch.

Answer

The 8‑cm rod, because it is thinner than the 12‑cm rod, so it produces a higher pitch.

Answer

The 12‑cm rod, because larger objects always make higher‑pitched sounds.

Question 2

Which statement best describes the pattern between the pitch of a sound and a feature of the object that makes the sound?

Accepted Answer

Shorter strings produce higher‑pitched sounds.

Answer

Looser rubber bands produce higher‑pitched sounds.

Answer

Longer strings produce higher‑pitched sounds.

Answer

Thicker rods produce higher‑pitched sounds.

Question 3

Alyssa plucks a rubber band that is stretched across a wooden box. Which one of the following actions will definitely make the sound she hears have a higher pitch?

Accepted Answer

Move the band so that a shorter part of it vibrates between the two ends.

Answer

Replace the rubber band with a thicker (heavier) band.

Answer

Loosen the rubber band so it is less tight.

Answer

Place a small paper clip on the middle of the band before plucking it.

Try three questions

Liam has two identical metal rods that he can strike with a small hammer. One rod is 8 cm long and the other is 12 cm long. Both rods have the same thickness and are made of the same material. Which rod will make the sound that is higher in pitch, and why?

Which statement best describes the pattern between the pitch of a sound and a feature of the object that makes the sound?

Alyssa plucks a rubber band that is stretched across a wooden box. Which one of the following actions will definitely make the sound she hears have a higher pitch?

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