The volume of sound

In a nutshell

Volume is how loud or quiet a sound is. It depends on the strength of vibrations of the object producing the sound.

Volume

Definition

Volume is how loud or quiet a sound is.

Sound uses vibrations which can change in strength. The volume of a sound depends on how strong these vibrations are. Stronger vibrations mean a louder sound. Weaker vibrations mean a quieter sound.

To change the volume of a sound, the strength of the vibrations can be changed. To increase the volume, the energy of the vibrations can be increased. To decrease the volume, the energy of the vibrations can be decreased.

Example

Science; Sound; KS2 Year 4; The volume of sound

If you clap your hands together your hands will vibrate a produce a sound. Clapping them with more force, gives more energy. This creates stronger vibrations and a louder noise.