Sounds can be soft like a whisper or they can be loud like an explosion. In the activity below you will investigate what makes sounds loud or soft.

Here are the answers to Activity 7: 1. a) The sounds ordered from softest to loudest are: 1. Person blinking 2. Person whispering 3. Kettle boiling 4. People talking 5. Car starting 6. Train passing by 7. Explosion 1. b) Some sounds are louder than others because they are produced with more energy, causing larger vibrations (greater amplitude*) in the air. These larger vibrations are perceived as louder sounds. 2. a) (This is an instruction for you to do.) 2. b) To make your voice louder, you push more air from your lungs, causing your vocal cords to vibrate with greater force and amplitude*. 3. a) (This is an instruction for you to do.) When you hit a drum hard, you hear a loud sound. When you tap it gently, you hear a soft* sound. 3. b) When a drum is hit hard it makes a loud sound. When it is hit gently it makes a soft* sound. 4. a) A (Cymbals): Can make a crashing, ringing, or shimmering sound. B (Whistle): Makes a high-pitched, piercing sound. C (Rattle): Makes a shaking, clattering sound. 4. b) A (Cymbals): Hit them together with a lot of force. B (Whistle): Blow into it with more force. C (Rattle): Shake it vigorously and quickly. 4. c) A (Cymbals): Tap them very gently or rub them lightly. B (Whistle): Blow into it with very little force. C (Rattle): Shake it very slowly and gently. Drop the next question 📸