This document discusses the basics of sound waves. It explains that sound waves are caused by vibrations, requiring a medium like air, liquid or solid to transfer energy. It describes how compression and rarefaction of molecules transfers sound waves. Frequency determines pitch, with higher frequencies being higher pitched. Amplitude determines loudness, with greater amplitude being louder. Graphs can show the displacement over time of sound waves to represent characteristics like frequency and amplitude. The speed of sound depends on the medium and temperature.