Sunday, March 29, 2020

Computer Typing Tutor App Downloads - Why You Should Download One Today

Computer Typing Tutor App Downloads - Why You Should Download One TodayAre you looking for a computer typing tutor app download? I am pretty sure this app is the best out there because it is very user friendly, doesn't take any long time to get it installed, and at the same time, can be fully customized to meet your own unique needs.What are the benefits of getting a typing tutor app? Let me give you an example of how these apps work.It will have you writing as many articles as you like but since it is an Android app, you will also be able to take advantage of its great features. The best part about these typing tutor apps is that they are easy to install because they come with pre-installed programs.It would not take long for you to set it up and then do whatever you want with it. For example, you would be able to start writing articles right away and once you are done, you can upload them to Google Drive so that you would not have to wait a long time for the articles to appear in y our inbox.It would also be very convenient for you to delete anything that you would not be able to use anymore and you would not have to worry about losing any information like folders or files either. This is one of the best advantages of using these typing tutor apps because you won't need to bother with losing any important data.You would be able to view all your statistics and see how your writing skills and vocabulary are doing with the help of it. This way, you would be able to track the progress of your writing and at the same time, also you would be able to have an idea about what kind of word list you need for your articles.So why wouldn't you get an app to download? Well, the key here is that you would be able to make use of all the great features that would ensure that you would be very satisfied with what you are reading.

Friday, March 6, 2020

6 Types of Coworkers in Every Office

6 Types of Coworkers in Every Office photo via pexels The suck-up Every office has that person who constantly tries to make themselves look good in front of the boss. Of course, everyone wants to do well at their job and receive recognition, but this coworker is over the top and quite frankly â€" annoying. The most important thing to the suck-up is that the superiors witness his or her achievements. In reality, everyone else in the office probably notices it more. Don’t be this coworker. Instead of kissing up to the manager, let your work ethic do the talking.  Forbes  reports that “good managers know that their best employees are people who take responsibility for their work, step in to solve problems when they spot them, tell the truth about good news and bad news, and support their teammates.” Your boss is more likely to think highly of you for being a standout employee rather than for how buddy-buddy the two of you are. The one that is too blunt While reading this, you probably had at least one person that you work with come to mind. The extremely blunt coworker says whatever is on his or her mind, often with no filter. The blunt coworker may regularly curse, among other things that catch you off guard. This person does not seem to have a care about the possible consequences in regards to professional language in the workplace. The blunt coworker can be hard to deal with every day, particularly if you tend to keep to yourself. The best thing to do is to not let them get a reaction out of you and continue to do your job. The gossiper Some people just can’t function without talking about others, even at their jobs where they have several other more important things to do. Sure, employees talk amongst each other about their personal lives, however, it is the gossipers’ priority. There may be more than one gossiper in your office, which makes things worse. Gossipers talks to you about others and talk to others about you. Nothing that you say or do is safe. Like the other types of coworkers, the gossiper just seems to keep getting away with their behavior without management noticing. photo via unsplash The one from another generation Do you have that coworker who is 2-3 times your age and just can’t seem to grasp the fact that you, someone in your late teens or early 20s, are working the same job as them? These people still look at our generation as children and they don’t believe that we can get the job done. This type of coworker treats you less than they treat everyone else or they may not even want to interact with you much at all. It is even worse if you quickly enter a position above them in your career. If the  generational differences  cause issues, it will create a negative work environment for you and for everyone. When will people accept diversity in the office and realize that times are changing? The weird one Most offices have that unusually introverted employee that most people struggle to try to communicate with. Maybe it’s that stereotypical IT guy that understands computers better than people, or maybe it is someone who is new to the job and nervous about meeting others. Nevertheless, the unusual coworker likely causes few issues unlike the rest of them. Although you may not have an interest in trying to befriend this person, going out of your way to be kind to them can have a positive impact on the office environment. The office comedian The office comedian can be a good thing and a bad thing, but every office has one. The office comedian’s goal is to have everyone think he or she is the funniest person ever. They are constantly cracking jokes, which can take some stress off your workday if you share the same type of humor. Laughing can even bring people closer and strengthen how they work together. According to BBC, “laughing together is something that improves team collaboration and stimulates innovation.” photo via unsplash Constantly goofing around with the office comedian can make you get behind on work if you allow it to. If you don’t find the office comedian funny, however, then you are likely going to be just as annoyed as you are with the other people in the office. If you are trying to fulfill any of the coworker types, the comedian is the best way to go. Compared to the other options, you would likely be less hated by your coworkers. Besides, everyone needs little ways to take their minds off the stress of the job. Whether you are starting your full-time career or working a part-time job, your workplace will have its stereotypical coworkers that get on your nerves. Sadly, in the working world, you can’t do much about it. At times, you will be forced to work with people you wouldn’t particularly choose to work with. The best thing you can do to have a positive work environment is to be yourself and think about how you interact with others in the office. Try not to fall into the category of a typical lousy coworker.

Studying Three Years Above Her Grade Level, This Student Helps Her Peers

Studying Three Years Above Her Grade Level, This Student Helps Her Peers Studying Three Years Above Her Grade Level, This Student Helps Her Peers Josie, 10-years-old, Math Level H, Reading Level G Josie is 10-years-old, studying three years above her grade level in the Kumon Program. In fact, she’s studying the same math material that her mom, who is an eighth grade teacher, teaches her students. Imagine that, a 10-year-old transforming equations, working with linear functions and simplifying monomials and polynomials. She’s well on her way to advanced algebraic expressions and she isn’t even in middle school yet. “Sometimes, when the math gets hard, I remind myself to stay focused and positive,” says Josie. “My mom shows her eighth grade students that I’m doing the same math as them, which is a good reminder for me that Kumon has brought me so far.” Josie shakes hands with Kumon North America president Minoru Tanabe. One of the things that Josie likes most about Kumon is the fact that she’s studying above her grade level. She says that many of her friends look to her for help with their homework. “Kumon has helped me in so many ways,” says Josie. “It has given me confidence in myself and that confidence also helps me help other students in my class, which I love to do.” Josie gives us a little insight into how Kumon has impacted her early childhood. How has Kumon helped you beyond academics? Kumon gives me confidence because I know how strong of a student it has made me. I know that I can do and learn anything if I do the work and practice daily. Kumon has taught me about the importance of focusing and to not be afraid of challenges, but to enjoy them and work through them because I know I can overcome anything. What keeps you motivated in Kumon? The thing that keeps me motivated is the fact that I am working hard to get ahead in school and to be the best that I can be academically. Knowing that my classmates come to me for help with their math and they see how much Kumon has taught me, motivates me to keep working hard to be the best that I can be and keep working to achieve my goals and the next level in Kumon. You might also be interested in: Advancing Beyond Grade Level Helped this Student Become a Member of the National Elementary Honor Society Advancing Beyond Grade Level in the Kumon Math Program THIS  AVID READER HELPS HER PEERS   Motivated by his Peers, this Kumon Student Wants to be an Architect and a Doctor Studying Three Years Above Her Grade Level, This Student Helps Her Peers Studying Three Years Above Her Grade Level, This Student Helps Her Peers Josie, 10-years-old, Math Level H, Reading Level G Josie is 10-years-old, studying three years above her grade level in the Kumon Program. In fact, she’s studying the same math material that her mom, who is an eighth grade teacher, teaches her students. Imagine that, a 10-year-old transforming equations, working with linear functions and simplifying monomials and polynomials. She’s well on her way to advanced algebraic expressions and she isn’t even in middle school yet. “Sometimes, when the math gets hard, I remind myself to stay focused and positive,” says Josie. “My mom shows her eighth grade students that I’m doing the same math as them, which is a good reminder for me that Kumon has brought me so far.” Josie shakes hands with Kumon North America president Minoru Tanabe. One of the things that Josie likes most about Kumon is the fact that she’s studying above her grade level. She says that many of her friends look to her for help with their homework. “Kumon has helped me in so many ways,” says Josie. “It has given me confidence in myself and that confidence also helps me help other students in my class, which I love to do.” Josie gives us a little insight into how Kumon has impacted her early childhood. How has Kumon helped you beyond academics? Kumon gives me confidence because I know how strong of a student it has made me. I know that I can do and learn anything if I do the work and practice daily. Kumon has taught me about the importance of focusing and to not be afraid of challenges, but to enjoy them and work through them because I know I can overcome anything. What keeps you motivated in Kumon? The thing that keeps me motivated is the fact that I am working hard to get ahead in school and to be the best that I can be academically. Knowing that my classmates come to me for help with their math and they see how much Kumon has taught me, motivates me to keep working hard to be the best that I can be and keep working to achieve my goals and the next level in Kumon. You might also be interested in: Advancing Beyond Grade Level Helped this Student Become a Member of the National Elementary Honor Society Advancing Beyond Grade Level in the Kumon Math Program THIS  AVID READER HELPS HER PEERS   Motivated by his Peers, this Kumon Student Wants to be an Architect and a Doctor

Thursday, March 5, 2020

The Origin of Language Development A Brief Overview of Language Development Theories

The Origin of Language Development A Brief Overview of Language Development Theories A Brief Overview of Language Development Theories Youre remarkable.Without prompting, you spent your first years making sense of the sounds around you.You turned gibberish into meaning.If you really stop to ponder it, its actually quite amazing.Think about it, how is it youre speaking the language or languages you do?Its a worthwhile question and one the linguistic and psychological communities have been exploring for decades.Theres good reason to look into that if youre currently trying to master a second,  third or even fourth language (if youre feeling really ambitious).Language development is a seriously complex topic, and its not easy finding a place to start studying it. But thats why were hereâ€"to get you started on the basics.This post will start you on the road to uncovering the important figures, theories and facts youll most likely hear over and over again in your language learning journey.Deep breaths everyone, as we delve into the fascinatingly complicated world of language development. Why Study Language Development Theories?Our ability to acquire and continue to learn a language is something we often take for granted. Most of us dont give much thought to the physical and mental processes our brains undergo to pick up and utilize language.Have you thought much about how were able to use simple symbols and sounds to communicate complex ideas? Have you really considered how and why this all came about? Of course you have! Youre a dedicated language learner.You might find that studying the theories surrounding this topic might help with your own learning experience. Its difficult for some to find a learning method that works for them, especially when it comes to language. Nowadays were surrounded by an abundance of learning resources playing on different language theories and known learning styles.Thats why its important to look at the process of learning itself, so you can more easily find and/or develop a method that works for you.A Brief Overview of Language Development TheoriesThe most promin ent figure in language development is Noam Chomsky, whos been studying this ever since his days at MIT. Then there are those who have offered their take on language development from a psychological perspective. This includes psychologists such as B.F Skinner, Jean Piaget and Vygotsky.Well be giving you a brief overview of their theories and perspectives. Fair warning to all: Theres a lot of psychology here, so be prepared for a bunch of fancy new terms (well explain them briefly as we go, of course).Chomskys TheoriesNoam Chomsky has been studying and developing his theories since the 1950s. In his book  Aspects of the Theory of Syntax published in 1965, he has pushed forward the fundamental observation that there are deep structures and surface structures in every sentence, no matter what language. This is the reason why you can form sentences with similar meaning using a theoretically infinite combination of words.Essentially, deep structures are the thoughts and meanings we want t o express and surface structures are the words, sounds and symbols we use to try and express them.Lets look at some examples. Take a look at the following sentence:Language development seems really complicated to me. I think language development is really complicated.Both express exactly the same thing using different words and a different word order. The deep structure is the same (the notion that language development is obviously not the simplest thing in the world), though the words used (surface structure) are different.The use of these words and their structures are refined over the course of time. It changes and evolves on the surface, but the deeper structures remain. This is a part of Chomskys transformational-generative grammar theory.Another important contribution Chomsky made to linguistic studies is the theory of universal grammar. He asserted that the human brain contains a mechanism for language acquisition, meaning that our languages share the same deeper structures d espite the largely superficial surface structures.This is why its possible for anyone to learn a foreign language, regardless of the complexity of its grammatical structure or script.B.F Skinners Behaviorist PerspectiveTackling the issue of language from a different perspective was B.F Skinner, the behavioral psychologist. Simply put, the behavioral perspective postulates that everything we do is dictated by our environment and that our behavior is a response to external stimuli through operant conditioning, the process through which behavior changes with positive and negative reinforcement.B.F Skinner theorized that language acquisition  is dictated by our environment and the positive or negative reinforcement we receive from it. Parents, for example, enforce correct usage of a word in children with positive facial or verbal reactions. They play larger roles in our verbal behavior,  a concept Skinner describes in his book. Verbal behavior introduces the concept of functions to word s, as well as meanings.For example, a child may know what to call a toilet, but they must also learn what the use of that word will allow them to acquire or express. Theyve heard their parents say this word, but what happens when they say it? Most likely, their parents take them to it.So in this case, the most basic function of the word is to express a need to use the bathroom. A pretty important thing to be able to express, wouldnt you say?Piagets Cognitive Development TheoryJean Piaget was another prominent psychologist who offered yet another take on language acquisition and development. His focus was on child development and the stages children go through to develop and learn.He asserted that children would only be able to fully grasp some concepts within specific  developmental stages, due to the fact that certain sections of the brain would only further develop at certain ages.For example, since the sensorimotor area develops first during the first two years of a childs life, children focus on their immediate surroundings, experimenting with the things around them by playing with them, biting them or throwing them.Throughout this stage, theyll take things apart, put things back together and explore the concept of things existing in and out of sight. By the end of it all, theyll be able to visualize things that arent there in front of them, which is arguably the most crucial part of this stage when it comes to language and communication.Next comes the preoperational stage in which children are able to develop their imagination and think in slightly more abstract ways. They begin to toy with symbols. Theyll use words in ways that arent generally accepted or understood. For example, they may use the word pillow to mean cloth purely because of the few shared characteristics between the two objects.They do this for egocentric communication. Anyone whos ever tried to communicate with a two-year-old will know that they arent all that interested in other perspec tives. Theyre too busy trying to explore their own mind, so dont take it personally.You may have noticed already that these concepts focus less on language and more on cognitive development during childhood and youd be right. That being said, its still important to know because Piaget did establish that language plays a huge role in cognitive development, chiefly in the way children use language throughout each stage.During the sensorimotor stage, children experiment with sounds, and language is mostly about the auditory aspects. They dont care about the meaning, they just like to create sounds. During the pre-operational stage, children use language to express themselves, but they cant really distinguish conversation from pure expression.During the concrete operational stage, children state facts and observations. Finally, during the formal operational stage, children are able to use language to express, discuss and debate abstract concepts.Vygotskys Constructivist Learning TheoryN ot completely unrelated was Vygotskys theory of social development. Its referred to as the constructivist perspective  and describes the concept of development through construction of thought and meaning.  To understand it completely, you first have to understand his perspective.It challenges the more widely-held concept of knowledge and proposes that knowledge is a construction of meaning unique to the individual. How a person grew up (their culture) will affect how they think.  He emphasizes the importance of others in our development (i.e., social interaction and guided learning).Vygotsky postulated that language develops similarly, but focused on the development of social speech, private speech and inner speech.Social speech is the language we use with others while private speech (talking to ourselves) is not meant to communicate with others (this happens around the age of three). Inner speech only really begins to appear around the age of six or seven with private speech being internalized.Its a complex idea that goes beyond the scope of this post, but children at this stage begin to internalize language and meaning and, as Vygotsky says, begin thinking in pure meaning.Suffice it to say that our relationship with language becomes increasingly more sophisticated and goes beyond the meaning of the words and into the feelings or ideas the words elicit.What These Language Development Theories Mean for YouTo be honest, weve only scratched the surface of these theories. Considering the impact theyve made on education, parenting and the academic world at large, we invite you to dive deeper by reading the many papers on each one.But what can you do with this newfound knowledge right now?In the same way that these theories have aided children and teachers in refining their learning and teaching techniques, you can use this knowledge to fine-tune your language-learning methods.With a better understanding of these theories and their roots, you can understand the met hod behind the madness of some learning programs. Is the approach youre using right now working for you?If we consider Chomskys ideas of universal grammar, we can say that all languages adhere to certain grammatical parameters (like word order). Our job is then to figure out those parameters by hearing example sentences and formulating the rules of the second language. With this approach, your study session would include analyses such as,In English, word order is subject + verb + object, but in (target language) itsOr should you try tackling grammar from another angle? For example, you might do that by spending time in a different environment where that foreign language is abundant as the constructivist perspective might suggest?Of course, if you cant go to another country, try immersing yourself in the language at home with a program like FluentU. FluentU is an online immersion platform that takes real-world videosâ€"like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.What about those of you who are trying to find ways to teach your children a second language? Perhaps taking a look at Piagets developmental stages could help you figure out where your childs mind is focused and how best to introduce a new language to them.With so many theories out there concerning language development, see what works for you and which theories or perspectives youd like to explore.Itll make you a better language learner and, perhaps later on if you so choose, a better language teacher. And One More ThingIf youve read this far, youre obviously serious about learning languages. FluentU makes it possible to learn languages  from music videos, commercials, news and inspiring talks.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that real people speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos, like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse ScreenFluentU has int eractive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover over or tap on the subtitles to instantly view definitions.FluentU Interactive TranscriptsYou can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs quiz mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.

Fordham University Tutoring Center

Fordham University Tutoring CenterIf you are looking for your own formal education but can't get enough of it, you might want to consider visiting the Fordham University Tutoring Center. You will be surprised at the quality of the education they offer. The students who attend this center are taking their degree in many different fields including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Humanities, Nursing, Physical Education, and Social Work.The tutors there are eager to work with all the students who need help. The staff consists of teachers as well as those who have special experience and skills. The teachers are trained to assist students as they learn about school and learning.The center is a team effort. Students come from various backgrounds and situations and they are all striving to improve their lives and become better individuals. They are there to learn and grow along with their peers and to be able to apply what they have learned to other areas of their lives.The tutors there are there to work with you so that you can focus more on your school work and less on what it is that you are trying to accomplish. They are there to help you get back on track in life and take care of yourself before you can take care of others. They are there to support you on any level that you need it. They know exactly how to help you grow and find the direction you need to move forward in life.Once you have decided that you would like to attend the Fordham University Tutoring Center, you will need to be careful in the manner you choose to enroll. You should not enroll in the same class every single time you show up for class. Each of the classes are tailored for a specific group of students so that each student has a chance to grow and get a better understanding of who they are and how to handle the rest of their life. It is important that you visit each class and meet the different students as well. This allows you to form a relationship with the instructors as w ell as the tutors. Sometimes it is necessary to meet the students personally to understand their situation so that you can make sure that you are helping them every step of the way.After you have been through the classes, you will need to schedule an appointment with the center. They will be happy to talk with you about what it is that you need and how they can help you.

Why Fiu Tutoring Services Is the Best

Why Fiu Tutoring Services Is the BestFiu tutoring services are now available in the market, which will help you to pursue your schooling and get better grades than before. The Fiu tutoring service is a great choice for your child's sake and you will never regret having this service as it provides them with great guidance and instruction. You will also find that the Fiu tutoring services are affordable and hence you can afford to take the services as well. So, now the question is, do you need these services or not?Today, if your child needs an extra boost of mental or physical fitness, an hour of personal training from a professional trainer is a great option. The trained professional will give you tips on nutrition, exercise and other sports related activities. Another option is the job services offered by a certified trainer. This person will offer personal assistance and guide you towards a better future.There are a number of factors which will help you to choose a tutor. If you ar e sure about the capability of the tutor, you can have that in his office, should you want to hire him. If you are working with the assistance of your kid, you can choose your tutor in person.You must take into consideration that the trainer or the tutor should be a professional and should have a personal relationship with your child. A tutor will work under your supervision and he will help you set goals for your child. You can also give your suggestions and get the best for your child.Fiu tutoring services are available in the internet and you can take the benefit of these services by simply logging on to the web. If you log on to the online portals, you will find various professional tutors who will be able to give you a consultation and advice to help you set realistic goals for your child.A big advantage of these services is that the child will know the individual person better and it will encourage the child to work hard for the course. Moreover, the feedback will also be reco rded so you can monitor how your child works under the tutoring. With the help of these services, you will be able to take the best for your child. So, now, the question is, how much can you pay for these services?Now you can only answer, the cost will depend on the area of the country where you live. There are different packages available for different areas. So, now, the question is, how much can you afford to pay for the services? It is very important to check the reviews available on the net for these services. Take the benefit of these services and set goals for your child.

Adding Negative Numbers

Adding Negative Numbers Negative numbers are the numbers which are less than zero and which can be represented on a number line. On a number line negative number are represented left to 0 like -1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6 etc. Negative numbers can be extended endlessly on a number line left to 0, it follows that we can represent each and every negative number by some point on this line. For instance, starting from 0 and moving to its left, a point after 750 units, represent the integer -750. Thus each and every integer can be represented by some point on this number line. Examples of negative numbers: - -1, -5, -3.8, -8/9, -0.5 Comparing the negative numbers: - Example: - Which number is less than -5. a) -1 b) -2 c) 0 d) 10 e) -10 Solution: - On a number line, every number left to a particular number will be less than that of a number like , -10, -9, -8, -7, -6 are less than -5 because all these numbers are left to -5 whereas all the numbers right to -5 will be more than -5. -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3 are more than -5. Clearly we can observe that -1, -2, 0, 10 are right to -5. So -10 is less than -5 because -10 lie to the left of -5 on a number line. Examples of Adding negative numbers: - Add the following: - a) (-1) + (-5) + (-2) b) (-3) + (-4) Solution: - a) (-1) + (-5) + (-2)= -1-5-2 =-7 b) (-3) +(-4)= -3-4 -7

Waves Sound and Ultrasound

Waves Sound and Ultrasound What is Sound? And What is Ultrasound? ChaptersWhat is Sound?What is Ultrasound?The tapping of footsteps on floorboards. The growl of a car out on the street. The distant rumble of an aeroplane.Each of these is a sound. A sound of which you can’t see the source, but which you recognise immediately. Maybe â€" like the plane â€" it is a sound which is produced literally miles away. Or maybe â€" like the footsteps of your neighbour in the flat upstairs â€" it is a sound which comes from the most accidental of things.Even if you put a glass of water down on a table, there is a sound. If you scratch your head, you can hear it. And if you type away on a keyboard, a sound is produced there too.Sound is literally everywhere. It is almost impossible to avoid. The whole world, in fact, seems to endlessly vibrating with different noises and disturbances â€" the birds or the rain, people’s voices, the wind. We are constantly surrounded with sounds â€" sounds that we hear and sounds that go unheard.But what is sound? What is actua lly happening when you can hear something? And how on earth does that sound actually arrive however far to get into your ear?These are the sorts of questions that we will be discussing here. Along with the rather more cool-sounding thing known as ultrasound â€" with all its different uses.Let’s take a look. What different sources of sound can you think of? PetarPhysics Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamPhysics Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Dr parikhPhysics Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RubenPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankPhysics Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JidePhysics Teacher 4.80 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DorothyPhysics Teacher 5.00 (5) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RahulPhysics Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is Sound?Sound is a type of wave, a disturbance in a medium that transfers energy.   If you want to know more about the science of waves, check out our articles on the properties of waves and on transverse waves and longitudinal waves.Sound waves are a type of longitudinal wave â€" meaning that the way in which they disturb thei r material medium is parallel to the direction of the energy transfer. (Transverse waves, on the other hand, create displacements that are perpendicular to the energy’s direction.)So, imagine that plane in the sky. Although it is fairly far away, you can hear it. That’s because its engine produces vibrations which propagate energy all around them. And given that that energy meets no resistance, it can come all the way to your ear.That, in short, is the science of sound: movements of energy that make particles in the air vibrate. However, let’s go into a bit more detail.You can find more about the nature of waves - and the properties of waves - in our other article.What is a Sound Source?A sound source is where the sound begins â€" whether that be the pulsing diaphragm of a speaker, a human voice box, or the mechanical whirring and grinding of a machine. These places â€" i.e. everywhere â€" are the sources of the sound waves that then begin to propagate through the medium.How t hese work depends on the specific nature of the source. So, with a speaker, the technology within the speaker converts electrical energy into vibrations of particles, which cause all the particles around them to vibrate too. Meanwhile, the air rushing through your throat causes your voice box to vibrate, again making everything else around it vibrate too.As you can see, then, sounds all start with vibrations â€" a particular type of energy being converted into this kinetic energy. And once this vibration starts, it can spread through lots of different media to your ears.Learn about transversal and longitudinal waves!How do Sound Waves Travel?When a sound source vibrates, it makes everything else around it vibrate too â€" as the sound energy propagates outwards from the source in waves of rarefactions and compressions.A sound wave is a type of mechanical wave, meaning that it has to have a medium through which to pass. Sound cannot travel through a vacuum â€" as it needs the vibratio n of atoms to transfer its energy. Given this, we might see that sound travels at a different pace depending on the medium through which it is travelling.Sound travels through the air at a rate of 330 metres per second. This is known as the speed of  sound. However, the air â€" given that gas is a state in which the atoms are actually least densely arranged â€" is the medium at which sound travels the slowest.Waves of sound travel much more quickly through solids than both liquids and gases. For comparison, the speed sound travels through aluminium is 6320 m/s. That’s twenty times faster than through air. You know this intuitively actually â€" because when you put your head to a table and someone knocks on it, it is much louder than it would be if you were sat up straight.This is because the molecules in solids are generally much closer together than in air â€" and so the energy is much more easily transferred from one molecule to the next.Check for a math and physics tutor here.E choes.However, when there is a change of medium through which the sound is travelling, some of the sound will be reflected â€" in something known as an echo.So, if you shout into a tunnel, the sound will travel through the air â€" and some of it will return to your ears after contact with the interface between the two media, the air and the solid wall.If you want to learn more about reflection, we have an article on reflection and refraction. Guitar strings produce waves when plucked - and then sound.What Changes a Sound’s Pitch and Tone?So, we know what a sound is by now: it’s a vibration in a medium. Yet, an important question remains: how come we hear different sounds with different levels of loudness? And how come, when we listen to music, we can hear all sorts of different pitches and tones?To understand the answer, you need to remember that ‘sound waves’ are not singular, self-identical things. Rather, there is a whole spectrum of different sound waves, of an infinite variety of different sizes and speeds.Frequency is the word that refers to the number of times a wave oscillates â€" or goes from peak to trough to peak, or from compression to rarefaction and back â€" in a given time. The higher the frequency â€" i.e., the faster the wave oscillates â€" the more high-pitched the sound we hear.Amplitude, meanwhile, is the word for the size of the displacement that the wave creates. The larger the amplitude â€" meaning the more energy transmitted by the wave â€" the louder the sound.And Tones?This, however, doesn’t explain the tone of a sound â€" or the way that a guitar sounds different to a piano, or the way your voice sounds different to someone else’s.This particular fact owes its explanation again to the fact that sound waves are not singular.If you play a guitar string, it is not just one type of sound wave that is produced â€" not one wave with one set amplitude or frequency. Rather, that string will produce lots of different sizes and speeds of wave â€" and it is the particular combination of these that produces that specific tone.What is Ultrasound?Ultrasound might sound like it is something a bit more interesting. However, the ultrasound and sound are essentially the same things.The difference is that what we refer to as ultrasound is the sound waves with frequencies that the human ear cannot hear. If the range of human hearing stretches from twenty Hertz to twenty thousand H ertz (Hertz being the measurement of a wave’s frequency), ultrasound is anything above a frequency of twenty thousand.There is, quite honestly, an awful lot of sound that classifies as ‘ultra’. As in, there is actually more ultrasound than sound itself. But, given that we are humans, our categories tend to be determined by specifically human concerns.Dogs, on the other hand, whilst they are not categorising anything scientifically â€" at least, as far as we know â€" can hear a much larger range of sounds than humans. Their range is actually twice as large as ours â€" which makes the distinction between sound and ultrasound rather arbitrary.What do We Use Ultrasound for? And How does it Work?The most common use of ultrasound is for creating images of babies in the womb. This technology is made possible by the process of reflection.Ultrasound works because there are lots of different sorts of material in your body: fat, muscle, bone.By using a tool that can both emit and detect sound waves, the process of ultrasound can essentially build images by receiving reflections â€" or echoes â€" from the interfaces between the different layers of material.So, at the interface between fat and muscle, some of the emitted sound waves are reflected and detected. At the interface between muscle and bone, the same thing happens. All of this can then be compiled onto a computer and an image can be created from the detection. We use ultrasound to see babies in the womb.

Is Grad School the Right Option for You

Is Grad School the Right Option for You More often than they should, students decide to go to grad school simply to avoid the doomed job market. Others choose to go because they flat out miss being in school. Neither of these are logical reasons and in the end, they usually wont leave the student feeling fulfilled. Graduate school is a very serious and big commitment that should only be undergone if a graduate degree is definitely what you want and/or need. There are several aspects of being a graduate student that may not be hitting you just yet as you scour admissions pages for application requirements and deadlines. There are a few key questions you need to ask yourself that will determine whether or not you will fit in with these aspects of graduate student life. Are you prepared to do the work? This is not going to be like college. College is hard, but graduate school will take over your life. The heavy assignments and lengthy readings will roll through on a continuous loop, giving you very little free time. Whatever your program may be, this level of education is no easy process. Theres a reason people are so impressed by those who hold a Masters or a Ph.D. Earning those degrees takes extremely hard work, drive, and absolute dedication. You cannot breeze through grad school; only enter if you are ready to be a seriously devoted and studious individual. Is this really going to help your career? Sometimes, graduate school may be a necessary step to take in solidifying your career path. Certainly, aspiring doctors and lawyers need to go through with this, many business students are recommended to go after their MBA, professors need these degrees, etc. But when youre a marketing student, or a journalist, or a psychology major, is this something you really need? Granted, more education is always a good thing and will only make your resum look better but in some fields, getting into the workforce solely with an undergrad degree and then working your way up is common. Although the economy is currently making this difficult, it still should not be overlooked how much grad school may not be crucial for your specific professional future. If its not going to make that huge of a difference in the long run, you might as well keep pushing through the job search now rather than locking yourself in a lengthy program and having to start all over in another few years. Is now the right time? Maybe grad school is a good option for you. But is it a good option right now? Its totally understandable to want the instant gratification of having a plan and doing something for your career immediately. After graduating college, its natural to feel a little lost and nostalgic for the school environment. Put that on top of not being able to land a full-time job and its no wonder you want to jump right into this. However, you need to stop and contemplate your overall goals, as well as what is required to accomplish each of them. For many fields, it is common practice for students to work or intern, or take advantage of whatever opportunity you can find for a few years directly out of school and then proceed to attend graduate school. Get some experience to make yourself look even better to those universities. You might enjoy a break from the work-life to go back to school, more than you would enjoy racing back right now after leaving so recently. Give yourself some time to figure out what it is you actually want and then be fair to yourself by not wasting a good opportunity on a time that doesnt fit it. This goes without saying, but one last thing to think about is that graduate school demands a lot of your money. Is this something you can afford? Will this put you in even more debt that will make your life harder later? Put a lot of thought into this as well as all of the aforementioned questions before you jump on the grad school bandwagon. Make an informed decision and not just an anxious one.