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Book 14, Question 68 · Video

Why Does Wind Howl Around a House?

Video · 1:54 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 14

Wind howls when it swirls around corners and wires! The swirls peel off one after another at a steady rate. That steady push on the air makes a howl or a whistle.

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does wind howl around a house?

The Big Idea

Wind howls when it swirls around corners and wires! The swirls peel off one after another at a steady rate. That steady push on the air makes a howl or a whistle.

Wind Meets Edge

Step one: wind meets an edge. When wind rushes past a corner or a wire, it cannot flow smoothly. It splits and curls into little whirlpools of air. This happens around poles, trees, and chimneys too.

Swirls Peel Off

Step two: swirls peel off. The whirlpools peel away one after another at a steady rate. Each swirl gives the air a little push, so the pushes become a tone.

Gaps Sing Too

Step three: gaps join in. Gaps and holes can also make the air inside ring, like a flute. That is why wind may whistle through a keyhole or a crack. Blowing across a bottle top works the same way.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Wind hits a corner or a wire. It curls into steady swirls. Fast winds make higher howls. Slower winds make lower howls, so listen for both.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Wires hum in the wind for the same reason. Faster wind makes the swirls come faster, so the pitch goes up. Sound makers use this idea in whistles and wind chimes. Stay indoors during strong storms, and look from a safe place.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a detective! On a gentle windy day, listen near corners, fences, and gaps under doors. Where does the wind make a sound? Draw a map of the noisy spots. Think about their shapes.

Outro

Wind howls when swirls and gaps make the air vibrate, like a giant whistle. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

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