Lagging Sound

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In this group activity, learners see and hear the speed of sound. A learner designated the "gonger" hits a gong, once every second, as the rest of the group watches and listens from a distance. Learners will discover that light travels faster than sound.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Hammer
  • Gong or piece of metal that will make a very loud sound
  • Meter stick
  • Stop watch
  • Red bandana
  • Earplugs
  • A long, uninterrupted straight away (at least 350 meters)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Vision
      • Hearing
  • Mathematics
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
      • Rate
  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Sound
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Music

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • hear
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Muller, Eric

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Exploratorium, 2002