Place your ear to the wall. Ask your friend to go outside the room and gently tap the other side of the wall with a woooden hammer.You can hear the tapping sound which proves that sound can travel through solids.
Summary
Students explore how sound waves move through liquids, solids and gases in a series of simple sound energy experiments. Understanding the properties of sound and how sound waves travel helps engineers determine the best room shape and construction materials when designing sound recording studios, classrooms, libraries, concert halls and theatres.
This engineering curriculum meets Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Engineering Connection
Sound and acoustic engineers know that the shape of a room and its materials greatly impact how sound waves travel. Recording studios are designed in soundproof booths so that the recorded music does not contain any unwanted external noise. Libraries are designed to reduce any introduced noises, to assure a quiet, non-distracting learning environment. Concert halls are designed so that sound generated on the stage travels to the back of the space without being distorted.