Vocab test- Sound no.1

Question 1

amplitude

Answer 1

The distance from the middle to the top or bottom of a wave.

Question 2

echo

Answer 2

A reflection of a sound wave off a surface.

Question 3

decibel

Answer 3

A commonly used unit which measures sound intensity or loudness (dB)

Question 4

ultrasound

Answer 4

Sound at a frequency greater than 20 000 Hz, beyond the range of human hearing.

Question 5

infrasound

Answer 5

Sound below a frequency of 20 Hz.

Question 6

longitudinal wave

Answer 6

Where the oscillations are parallel to the direction of the wave. (e.g sound)

Question 7

transverse wave

Answer 7

Where the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of the wave. (e.g Ocean wave)

Question 8

reflection

Answer 8

The change in direction of a ray or wave after it hits a surface and bounces off.

Question 9

vacuum

Answer 9

A space in which there is no matter.

Question 10

reverberation

Answer 10

The persistence of a sound for a longer period than normal.

Question 11

wavelength

Answer 11

The distance between two consecutive points on a wave.

Question 12

Compare the difference in amplitude between a loud and a quiet sound.

Answer 12

The amplitude of a loud sound will be greater than the amplitude of a quiet sound.

Question 13

What is an area of high pressure known as in a longitudinal sound wave?

Answer 13

Compression

Question 14

Describe the role of the ossicles.

Answer 14

The ossicles amplify the sound in your ear and pass this vibration on to the cochlea

Question 15

What are three ways in which hearing can be damaged?

Answer 15

A hole in the eardrum, the ear canal becoming blocked by wax, very loud sounds

Question 16

What is meant by ‘superpose’?

Answer 16

When waves either add up or cancel each other out.

Question 17

Explain why sound travels quicker in a solid than a gas.

Answer 17

The particles in a solid are closer together and so can pass on the vibrations more quickly than in a gas.

Question 18

What is an echo?

Answer 18

A reflection of a sound wave off a surface.

Question 19

What are 3 uses of Ultrasound?

Answer 19

Produce image of unborn babies (foetuses), used for sonar on ships, used to break up kidney stones.

Question 20

SUPERPOSITION- constructive interference

Answer 20

When waves add together and their amplitude is doubled.

Question 20

SUPERPOSITION- destructive interference

Answer 20

When waves cancel each other out.