Understanding Sound Waves
Listen carefully to the following passage:
Today, we are going to discuss the fascinating topic of sound waves. Sound waves are vibrations that travel through different mediums such as air, water, and solids. They are created when an object vibrates, pushing the surrounding particles, which then collide with adjacent particles, creating a wave effect. There are two main types of sound waves: longitudinal waves, where the vibration of the medium is in the same direction as the wave travels, and transverse waves, where the medium's vibration is perpendicular to the wave's direction. The speed of sound varies depending on the medium; it travels faster in solids than in liquids and even faster in gases. Sound waves can also be characterized by their frequency and amplitude. Frequency refers to how many waves pass a certain point in a given time, which determines the pitch of the sound, while amplitude describes the height of the wave, which affects the volume. Understanding sound waves is crucial for various applications, including music production, acoustics, and even medical imaging.
Note: This question has been adapted from its original format to accommodate a reading-based version. In the official TOEFL exam, speaking and listening sections require verbal responses and audio prompts, which are not represented here. Please note that this adaptation may not fully reflect the nature or difficulty of the official exam. The audio feature for these sections will be available soon.
Select all that apply: