Properties of Sound Waves

Question 1

Sound Waves

Answer 1

Longitudinal waves caused by vibrations that travel through a material medium.

Question 2

Speed of Sound

Answer 2

The speed depends on the medium; faster in liquids and solids than in gases.

Question 3

Loudness

Answer 3

Determined by the intensity, which depends on the amplitude of the sound wave and distance from the source. Measured in decibels (dB).

Question 4

Pitch

Answer 4

A measure of how high or low a sound is perceived, depending on the frequency of the sound wave.

Question 5

Infrasound

Answer 5

Sound waves with a frequency lower than 20 Hz, below the range of human hearing.

Question 6

Ultrasound

Answer 6

Sound waves with frequencies higher than 20,000 Hz, above the range of human hearing.

Question 7

Musical Instruments

Answer 7

Produce sound through vibration of strings, air columns, or membranes; rely on standing waves.

Question 8

Resonance

Answer 8

Occurs when two objects naturally vibrate at the same frequency, amplifying the sound.

Question 9

Human Ear

Answer 9

Divided into outer, middle, and inner regions, the ear senses vibrations, amplifies them, and transmits signals to the brain.

Question 10

Sonar

Answer 10

Sound navigation and ranging; uses acoustic signals and echo returns to determine the location of objects underwater.

Question 11

Ultrasound Imaging

Answer 11

Uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to create computerized images called sonograms.

Question 12

Doppler Effect

Answer 12

An observed change in the frequency of a wave when the source or observer is moving.

Question 13

Intensity

Answer 13

Describes the rate at which a sound wave transmits energy through a given area of a medium.

Question 13

Sonic Boom

Answer 13

A shock wave created when a source moves as fast or faster than the speed of sound, producing a loud sound similar to an explosion.

Question 14

Pitch and Frequency

Answer 14

Higher-pitched sounds are caused by sound waves with higher frequencies, and vice versa.