Vibrations

​​In a nutshell

Sounds travel using vibrations. As sound travels through something it makes it vibrate.

Vibrations

Definition

Vibration is when an object shakes back and forth very quickly. 

Example

If you've ever used an electric toothbrush you may have heard it make a whirring sound. It also feels like it's shaking when it's in your hand. This is because it is vibrating.

Sounds vibrate through the air to travel to your ears. They do this by making air particles bump into each other. The air particles keep bumping into the next set of air particles. This forms a sound wave which will reach your ears.

The vibrating air particles eventually return to their original position. This is because they lose energy when moving back and forth and when bumping into other particles. This is why sounds don't last forever.

Curiosity: Did you know sounds travel through liquids and even solids? The only thing sound can't travel through is space! This is because in space there are no particles for the sound wave to vibrate.

Musical instruments

Musical instruments, like a violin or flute, use vibrations. 

In a violin, the strings vibrate which causes the air particles around them to move. A chain of vibrations is created which enters your ears. You then hear this as music.