SOUND
Overview of Sound
Sound is a form of mechanical energy that comes from vibrating
source.
It cannot travel through a vacuum because it requires particles in the
medium to transmit the vibrations.
Sound waves are longitudinal waves meaning the vibrations occur in the
same direction as the wave direction.
The basic properties of sound include
1. Pitch
2. Loudness
3. Quality
Key Concepts in Sound
1. Nature of Sound
Sound as a Wave
Sound travels as longitudinal waves meaning the vibrations occur in
the same direction as the wave travels.
As the sound wave travels, particles compress and expand, creating
regions of compression and rarefaction
2. How Sound Travels
Sound requires a medium to travel (solid, liquid, or gas).
The speed of sound varies depending on the medium.
Solids: Sound travels fastest in solids because the particles are
closely packed, facilitating quicker vibration transfer.
Liquids: Sound travels slower in liquids than in solids.
Gases: Sound travels slowest in gases because the particles are
further apart.
Factors affecting sound speed:
Temperature:
As temperature increases, sound travels faster. For air, the speed of
sound increases by *0.6 m/s per degree Celsius* increase in
temperature.
Medium:
The type of medium (air, water, steel) affects the speed of sound.
3. Properties of Sound Waves
1. Frequency: The number of vibrations or cycles produced per second,
measured in Hertz (Hz).
Frequency determines the pitch of the sound.
High Frequency= High pitch (e.g., a whistle).
Low Frequency= Low pitch (e.g., a drum).
2. Amplitude: The height of the wave, determining the sound’s
*loudness*. Larger amplitude = louder sound
3. Wavelength: The distance between two consecutive compressions
or rarefactions in a wave.
4. Velocity (Speed): The speed at which sound travels through the
medium. It depends on the medium and temperature.
The equation for frequency in the context of sound, based on is as follows
f = 1/T
Where:
- f is the frequency of the sound wave (measured in *Hertz, Hz*),
- T is the period of the wave (the time taken for one complete cycle of the
wave, measured in *seconds,
Alternatively, when dealing with the relationship between speed,
wavelength, and frequency of sound waves, the equation is:
v = f ×λ
Where:
- v is the *speed* of the sound wave (measured in *m/s*),
- f is the *frequency* of the sound wave (measured in *Hz*),
- λ is the *wavelength* of the sound wave (measured in *meters, m*).
This equation shows that the speed of sound in a medium is the product of
its frequency and wavelength. The speed of sound varies depending on the
medium (e.g., air, water, or steel) and environmental conditions like
temperature.
Example Problem:
- If the frequency of a sound wave is 500 Hz and its wavelength is 0.68 m,
the speed of sound in the medium would be:
v = f ×λ = 500 Hz× 0.68 m = 340 m/s
5. The Doppler Effect*
- *Definition*:
The change in frequency or wavelength of a sound wave as the
source or observer moves relative to each other.
Approaching Source:
The frequency increases (higher pitch).
Receding Source*:
The frequency decreases (lower pitch).
Example*:
An ambulance moving toward you will sound higher in pitch than
when it is moving away from you.
5. Echo and Reflection of Sound*
Echo:
An echo is the reflection of sound from a surface back to the listener.
The time delay between the original sound and its echo depends on the
distance of the reflecting surface.
The speed of sound is *340 m/s* in air at room temperature (20°C).
If the time delay between the sound and echo is measured, the distance to
the reflecting surface can be calculated using:
Distance = Speed of Sound Time
Factors Affecting Echo
Distance to the reflecting surface.
Surface Area A large, hard surface like a wall reflects sound well, while
soft materials absorb sound.
6. Sound in Different Media
Air: Sound travels at approximately 340 m/s at room temperature. The
speed increases with temperature.
Water: Sound travels faster in water (about 1500 m/s).
Solids: Sound travels even faster in solids (about 5000 m/s in steel).
Use of Sound in Daily Life
1. Communication*: Sound is essential in human communication, including
speech, music, and other forms of audible signals.
2. Technology: Sound waves are used in technologies such as ultrasound
(medical imaging), sonar (navigation for submarines and ships), and in
various types of alarms.
8.2 Applications of Sound*
1. Medical: Ultrasound is used to see inside the body without surgery.
2. Navigation: Sonar systems are used in submarines and ships to detect
underwater objects.
10. Assessment and Review
1. Define sound and explain how it is transmitted.
2. What factors affect the speed of sound in air?
3. Explain how the Doppler Effect changes the frequency of sound as the
source moves toward or away from the observer. *
4. Calculate the wavelength of a sound wave with a frequency of 500 Hz and
a speed of 340 m/s.*
5. Why is the speed of sound faster in water than in air? *
