Sound

Question 1

What type of wave is Sound

Answer 1

Sound is a mechanical / longitudinal wave

Question 2

Define longitudinal wave.

Answer 2

In a longitudinal wave, particles vibrate in a direction parallel to the direction of travel of waves.

Question 3

Define compression.

Answer 3

Compression are regions in the medium where the particles are spaced closer together than the equilibrium position.

Question 4

Define rarefaction

Answer 4

Rarefactions are regions in the medium where the particles are spaced further apart than the equilibrium position.

Question 5

Why does sound travel fastest in solids?

Answer 5

When particles are closely packed, sound can be passed from particle to particle faster. or When particles are held together by stronger forces of attraction, they can quickly return to their original position and can vibrate faster.

Question 6

Is the speed of sound affected by the amplitude or frequency?

Answer 6

no

Question 7

Human reaction time error

Answer 7

There is a random error due to human reaction time when pressing the stopwatch. Hence, repeat the experiment and calculate the average time taken. ( use the same person)

Question 8

Wind error

Answer 8

There may be wind blowing during the experiment which will affect the speed of sound. To improve the reliability of the experiment, the 2 people can interchange positions and then average the results obtained.

Question 9

Distance error

Answer 9

Since the speed of sound is so great, very large errors are introduced if the distance is not long enough, hence the distance must be more than 300m

Question 10

Does sound need a medium to travel ?

Answer 10

yes