Explore the Sound Wave & Frequency Simulator
See sound as moving air particles and an oscilloscope trace, change pitch, and hear beats form. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Sound Wave & Frequency Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Sound Wave & Frequency Simulator?
See sound as moving air particles and an oscilloscope trace, change pitch, and hear beats form. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Musical instruments, ultrasound scans, sonar, noise cancelling headphones and piano tuning (listening for beats) all use these ideas.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Sound is a longitudinal wave: air particles bunch up (compressions) and spread out (rarefactions).
Higher frequency means higher pitch and a shorter wavelength.
Wavelength = speed of sound ÷ frequency, so the same note is longer in water than in air.
Drag across the scope to sweep the pitch.
Switch from air to water and watch the wavelength grow.
Turn on the second tone at 4 Hz apart and read the beat frequency.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Physics learners
Physics students in middle school, high school and first-year university, teachers who want a quick demonstration for the projector, and anyone revising for exams.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Sound Wave & Frequency Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Switch from air to water and watch the wavelength grow. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?
λ = v / f. For a fixed speed, doubling the frequency halves the wavelength.
What are beats?
When two tones of slightly different frequency overlap, the loudness rises and falls at a rate equal to the difference of the frequencies.
Is the Sound Wave & Frequency Simulator free to use?
Yes. The Sound Wave & Frequency Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Physics group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Sound Wave & Frequency Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Sound Wave & Frequency Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 5 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Sound Wave & Frequency Simulator?
1. In the Sound Wave & Frequency Simulator, use the controls to change Tone 1 frequency, Volume (amplitude), Tone 2 frequency, Medium, Second tone. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Sound Wave & Frequency Simulator, pick an option such as Air 343 m/s, Water 1480 m/s, Helium 965 m/s, Off to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Sound Wave & Frequency Simulator, press "Play sound" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Drag across the scope to sweep the pitch. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Sound Wave & Frequency Simulator responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Sound is a longitudinal wave: air particles bunch up (compressions) and spread out (rarefactions).
More free tools
Related to the Sound Wave & Frequency Simulator.
Try the Sound Wave & Frequency Simulator now
See sound as moving air particles and an oscilloscope trace, change pitch, and hear beats. Free to use.
Try it free