When stretched and plucked, a rubber band vibrates, producing sound waves. The frequency of the sound produced depends on the tension and length of the rubber band: a tighter or shorter band will produce a higher-pitched sound, while a looser or longer band will produce a lower-pitched sound.

The sound produced by a rubber band is an example of mechanical sound waves. Mechanical sound waves are created when an object vibrates and causes the surrounding air particles to vibrate. The vibrating air particles then travel through the air and reach our ears, where they are interpreted as sound.