Book 14, Question 59
How Can a Needle in a Groove Play a Song?
A record has a wavy groove that is a copy of the sound wave! A needle rides in the groove and wiggles from side to side. Those wiggles are tiny vibrations that become music.
More fun facts
- When a record is made, sound waves move a needle that cuts wavy grooves into a disc.
- When played, a needle called a stylus rides the bumps and bends in the groove.
- The stylus vibrates the same way as the original sound.
- Those vibrations are turned back into sound waves.
- You can even play a record with the corner of a paper note or a pin on a paper cone.
Sources: BBC, BBC, Exploratorium, BBC
Questions kids ask
What is a stylus?
The needle on a record player that rides in the groove.