6. Sound Waves Flashcards

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1
Q

Sound

What it is + How it is produced

A

Sound is a longitudinal wave (direction of vibration is parallel to the direction of wave propagation) produced by a vibrating source:

  • Cannot travel through a vacuum
  • Needs a medium to propagate (fastest in solid, slowest in gas)
  • Medium particles are not transported away from the source
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2
Q

How is sound propagated?

A

The forward and backward vibration of a source is passed on to the air/water particles. This causes alternate regions of the air particles to be compressed and extended, resulting in a series of compressions and rarefactions.

  • Compressed regions are called compressions (higher pressure)
  • Extended regions are called rarefactions (lower pressure)
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3
Q

Wavelength of Longitudinal Wave

Definition

A

The wavelength of a longitudinal wave is the distance between the centres of two successive compressions or rarefactions

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4
Q

Pitch of sound is affected by

A

Frequency of the sound wave

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5
Q

Loudness of sound is affected by

A

Amplitude of the sound wave

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6
Q

Ultrasound is used in

A
  1. Sonar (Sound Navigation And Ranging)
  • Strength of reflected pulse depends on distance and characteristics of reflecting objects
  1. Imaging Internal organs
  • Strength, direction, timing of reflected pulse are measured to allow the reflecting surface to be mapped
  1. Pre-natal scanning
  2. Breaking up kidney stones
  3. Cancer treatment
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