A sound wave is a type of energy that travels through the air (or other materials) as vibrations. When an object, like a guitar string, is plucked, it vibrates and creates waves in the surrounding air. These waves move outward, carrying sound to our ears, where they are interpreted as music or speech. Sound waves can be described by their frequency and amplitude. The frequency determines the pitch of the sound, such as a high note from a flute or a low note from a trombone. Amplitude affects the loudness; a strong wave produces a loud sound, while a weak wave results in a softer sound.