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Separate Physics · Paper 2 · Foundation + Higher · P6

Sound crossing between materials

Key ideas1 of 3

The source sets the frequency

When sound passes from one material into another, its speed may change because the materials transmit vibrations differently. The frequency stays the same: the vibrating source still supplies the same number of oscillations each second. Particles in each material oscillate locally while the disturbance travels onwards. A change of material does not create a new source with a different frequency.

Successive compression lines in materials A and B.

Next: Reflection and material boundaries →
Practice, downloads and sources

Daily 5 · Exam practice · Revision sheet ↓

Foundation + Higher · P6. Use alongside the shared P6 lessons.

AQA GCSE Physics 8463 · 4.6.1.2. Original notes, questions and diagrams. Models are simplified; teaching data are illustrative.