For sounds to be produced, something needs to move

Sound is a form of energy. To create sound, you need an input of energy in the form of movement. Striking, scraping or blowing into an object makes it vibrate. These changes in pressure create waves of vibrations that move both the object and the substance surrounding it – usually air. If the vibrations reach our ears, we hear a sound. If there is no movement, no vibrations are created and no sound is made. 

Related articles

• Sound – visualising sound waves

• Can you hear that? – Connected

Related video

• Animated ripple pattern

• How sound travels under water

Related image

• String telephones and sound

Related activities

• Investigating sound

• Hearing sounds

• Musical sounds

• Investigating movement and sound with a pūrerehua

• Creating soundscapes

• Sound detectives