Level 4: Sound on Mars

Waves, sound and light · level 4 of 8 · rough age 11-12 (a guide for parents; anyone can start anywhere)

In 2021, Perseverance's microphones gave us the first real recordings of sound on Mars. This level explains what they found: sounds about 20 decibels quieter than on Earth, a speed of sound of about 240 m/s, two speeds for high and low notes, and high notes that fade fast. Then it asks what talking on Mars would be like.

Lesson	You will be able to
Sound in thin air	Explain why the same source sounds about 20 dB quieter on Mars
The speed of sound on Mars	Explain why sound is slower in cold carbon dioxide
Two speeds of sound	Work out how much sooner high notes arrive on Mars
High notes fade	Explain why Mars sounds muffled at a distance
What the microphones heard	Describe the sounds Perseverance recorded, and what they told scientists
Talking on Mars	Predict how a voice would sound in Mars air

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