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Exploring Sound: Frequency

Related Article: Learn more about light.

Frequency is the rate of vibration of sound and is measured in hertz. One vibration per second is one hertz.

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MythBusters: Rubens' Tube Uncut (1:57)

The MythBusters recreate Rubens' Tube, a popular physics experiment where fire represents sound waves.

Exploring Sound: Sound Waves (2:03)

The vibrations of an object compacts air molecules in some places (compression) and causes expansion of air in other places (rarefaction).

Exploring Sound: Frequency (1:28)

Frequency is the rate of vibration of sound and is measured in hertz. One vibration per second is one hertz.

Exploring Sound: Echo Location (2:21)

Bats hunt by echolocation. The best condition for an echo is a hard surface. Some materials absorb sound. Curved surfaces are used to reflect sound over a large area.

Exploring Sound: Loudness (0:28)

Loudness is measured in decibels (as shown in a table). Loud sound can cause hearing loss. People working around loud sounds usually wear protective ear gear.

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What are the odds a Tsunami will hit the United States?

Plane Crash (2:40)

What are the odds you will die in a plane crash?

Lincoln's Coffee (2:51)

What are the odds the coffee you are drinking has the same water molecules as Abraham Lincoln's?

Lightning (1:57)

What are the odds you will be struck be lightning?

Earthquake (2:55)

What are the odds there will be an earthquake in the next 100 years?

Avalanche (2:36)

What are the odds you could die in an avalanche?

Aliens (2:49)

What are the odds there is extraterrestrial life in outer-space?

Weaponology: Rapid Fire 2 (5:08)

In the late 20th century, the Gatling gun was re-imagined as a new and far more lethal aircraft weapon.

Energy Policy: Alternative Fuel Technology (1:28)

John Hofmeister, President of Shell Oil Corp., discusses the role of technology in alternative fuels. Learn more about alternative fuel technology in this video.

Energy Policy: Combating Global Warming (1:40)

John Hofmeister, President of Shell Oil Corp., addresses the issue of global warming. Learn more about global warming in this video.