Reflection of Sound Waves and Echoes Flashcards
When is sound produced?
Sound is produced when a body vibrates and it reaches us through the vibrations of the particles of the surrounding medium
What does sound need for its propagation?
A medium
State two factors on which the speed of a wave travelling in a medium depends
- Elasticity of medium
2. Density of medium
What is the audible range of frequency?
The range of frequency from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz to which our ears our sensitive
Why does the audible range of frequency of old people decrease?
The hearing sensitivity for ears falls for both high and low frequencies
What is ultrasonic sound?
The sound of frequency above 20,000 Hz
What is infrasonic sound?
The sound of frequency below 20 Hz
What is the speed of ultrasonic and infrasonic sound?
Same as that of audible sound
Define amplitude of a wave
The maximum displacement of the particle of the medium on either side of its mean position, is called the amplitude of the wave
Define time period of a wave
The time taken by the particle to complete one vibration is called the time period of the wave
Define frequency of a wave
The number of vibrations made by the particle of the medium in one second, is called the frequency of the wave
Define wavelength of a wave
The distance travelled by the wave in one time period of vibration of the particle of the medium, is called the wavelength (λ)
Define wave velocity of a wave
The distance travelled by the wave in one second is called the wave velocity of the wave (V)
How are V, f and λ related?
V = fλ
How are time period and frequency related?
f = 1/T
What do the frequency and time period of a wave depend on?
The vibrating source producing the sound
What do the velocity of the wave and hence its wavelength depend on?
The properties of the medium in which the wave travels
Give another name for sound waves
Mechanical or elastic waves
Why are sound waves called mechanical waves?
When the medium particles vibrate, there is a change of KE into PE and vice versa, so sound waves are called mechanical
Name the two kinds of mechanical waves
- Longitudinal waves
2. Transverse waves
When is a wave called a longitudinal wave?
If the vibrations of the medium particles are along the direction of propagation of the wave, thus forming compressions and rarefactions in the medium, the wave is called a longitudinal wave
Give examples of longitudinal waves
Sound waves in air, in soil and inside a liquid
In which media can longitudinal waves travel?
Solid, liquid and gas
When is a wave called transverse wave?
If the medium particles vibrate normal to the direction of propagation of the wave, forming crests and troughs, the wave is called a transverse wave
In which media are transverse waves formed?
In media which possess rigidity and that’s why they can only travel in solids and on the surface of liquids