Chapter

(G Soond
Sound
7 SYLLABUS
waves; echoes, their use, simple numerical problems on echoes.
Reflectionof sound
) syllabus: Production of echoes, condition for formation of echoes; simple mumerical groblems, ase of
Scopeof
bats, dolphins, fishermen,
medical field. SONAR.
echoes by
damped vibrations, forced vibrations and resonance special case of foced vibrations.
Natural vibrations,
( ) syllabus : Meaning and simple applications of natural, damped, forced vibrations snd esonance
Scopeof
Louudness, pitch and quality of sound.
(üi) Characteristics of sound; loudness and intensity: subjective and objective aturt of these
ofsyllabus :
Scope sound level in
properties; dB (as unit only): noise pollution; inter dependence of pitch and frequesey. quaity
waveforms (with examples).

(A) REFLECTION OF SOUND WAVES AND ECHOES

7.1 SOUND WAVES beings, but they both travel in a medium with the
the audible sound.
In class IX, we have read that sound is Speed same as that of
produced when a body vibrates and it reaches When a sound wave travels in a medium. the
sthroughthe vibrations of the particles of the maximum displacement of the particle of the
Surrounding medium,) Thus, sound requires a medium on either side of its mean position, is
medium for its propagation. A vibrating body called the amplitude la) of the wave. The time
nnses vibrations in the particles of the taken by the particle of the medium to complete
aurrounding medium which travel in form of its one vibration,) is called the time period (T) of
waveS with a certain speed* depending upon the the wave. The number of vibrations made by the
density and elasticity of the medium. When these particle of the medium in one second, is called the
vibrations reach our ear drum, sound is heard. freguency () of the wave. The frequency of a wave
Our ears are sensitive only to a limited range of is same as the frequency of the source producing
frequencies from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, which is it. The distance travelled by a wave in one time
called the audible range of frequency. However, period of vibration of the particle of the medium.
the audibile range of frequency of a person is called the wavelength (). The distance travelled
decreases as one gets older since the hearing by the wave in one second is called the wave
sensitivity of ears falls for both low and high velocity (V). The wave velocity V, frequency f and
frequencies. The sound of frequency above 20,000 wavelength are related as
Hz is called ultrasonic, while the sound of
frequency below 20 Hz is called infrasonic. Both V=fà ...7.1)
ultrasonic and infrasonic are inaudible to human
The time period Tand its frequency fof a wave
are related as :
*Speed V= 1
where E=elasticity and d= density of the ..(7.2)
medium.
159
 of humidity in the gas. However
period) of a
Note : The frequency (or time producing is not affected by the he specd
wave depends on the vibrating source waveand changes the density in thechange in pressure of
the sound, while the velocity of the same
hence its wavelengh depends on the
properties The speed V of a transverse
stretched string depends
proportion, because
the wave in a
travels.
of the mdium in which the wave On

the strinteg.nsSion
mass per unit length m of
waves necessarily require a medium for T
Sound the
as Cmeles
their propagation. The transfer of energy by
medium T
waves is through the vibrations of the
V=

particles about their mean positions.

When the \m
medium particles vibrate, there is a change
of When a wave
kinetic energy into potential energy and vice versa, into
another medium traveling
(i.e., in
in one
medium en
So sound waves are also
called elastic or wavelength and intensity# of refract
the ion), he
mechanical waves. Mechanical waves are of two the frequency of wave daes wave change,specb t
not
kinds : (1) longitudinal waves, and (2) transverSe direction of travel of the wave also change,
The
waves. If the vibrations of medium particles
along the direction of propagation of the wave,
are for normal incidence (i.e.,
The sound waves differ
for
Zi= 0). changes eXCep
thus foring compressions and rarefactions in the magnetic waves (e.g., rays,, from the
mediun, the wave is called a longitudinal wave Visible light, infrared rays, micro X-rays, ultravioleeltectro.
ligha
liquid.sound
e.g. waves in air,
Longitudinal and in
solidtravel
wavesin can inside a
solid, waves). The electromagnetic waves are formed waves,
and radb
the periodic vibrations of the mutually
hand, if the
Iiquid as well as in gas. On the gther electric and magnetic fieldss in a plane
medium particles vibrate normal to the direction of direction of wave
perpendicukg
normal to the
propagation of the wave, forming crests and propagatjon.
waves are thus transverse waves, but Electromagnei.
e.8. unlike sou
troughs, the wave is called a transverse wave waves they can travel through vacuum also, Th.
SOund waves in a solid and on the surface of a
liquid. Transverse waves are formed only in those speed of electromagnetic waves is different in
different media and it 1s maximum (equal to
media which possess rigidity and that is why they 3x 10 ms) in vacuum (or air).
can travel only in solids and on the surface of waves transfer energy in the form of photons. Electromagneti:
Iiquids. Distinction between light and sound waves
A longitudinal wave travels in a gas without
Light waves Sound waves
any change in heat contents of the medium. The
Speed V of a longitudinal wAve (ie., sound) in a 1. These are electro 1. These are mechanical
magnetic waves.
gaseous medium of density d at a pressure P is
waves.

2. They can travel in 2. They require a mateial

given as: vacuum medium for propagation
They cannot travel in vacuum.
...(7.3)
V=d
where y (the ratio of two specific heats) is 14
3. The speed of light
wave is very high
(=3x 10 msin air).
3. The speed of sound
wave is low
(= 330 m s- in air).
for air. 4. The wavelength of 4. The wavelength of sound
waves is in the range of
Since the density of gas decreases with the light waves (visible) is
very small, of the 10 m to 10 m.
increase in temperature and also with the increase in order of 10 m.
humidity in it, so the speed of sound increases with 5. These waves are always 5. In air, these waves are
the increAse in temperature* and with thepresence transverse. longitudinal.
2
* For 1C rise in temperature, the speed of sound in air # The change in intensity is because of partial reflection
increases nearly by O61 ms. the boundary surface separating the two media.
160
 REFLECTION OF SOUND WAVES person producing a sound from the rigid obstacle
like any other wave, when (or reflector) is far enough to allow the reflected
Lwaves, just
Sound surface (or boundary of another sound to reach the person at least -1 second
hard
strikea return
medium), back to the same medium after the original sound is heard. The reason is
of reflection
ie. i) the angle that the /sensation of a sound persists in or ears
the laws
obeying to the angle of incidence, for about 01 second after the cxcitíng stímulus
reflectionis equal
reflected ray and normal at ceases to act. Hence to hear an echo distinctly
of incidentray,
the ofincidence, all lie in one plane.(The (separate from the original sound). mus rcach
point striking asurface sueh the cars at least 0-1 second after the original
the ofasound wave on
reun
metalsheet plwo0d Letc.
back in the sound.
Matth
is called the reflection of
sound If d is the distance of the observer from the
Ledium
reflection of
MOVe)
The sound wave does not obstacle and Vis the speed of sound in the
a smooth and shining Surface like a medium, then the total distance travelled by the
require get reflected from any sound to reach the obstaçle andthen to come
mirrot
Sound waves
surface
whether smooth or hard: polished or back, is 2d., The time taken to hear the echo (or
requirement for the reflection of reflected sound) is
rough.The only
is that thesize of the reflecting total distance traveled 2d
sound wave of the
bigger than the wavelength speed of sound V
Surface mUSt beThe phenomenon of reflection of
sound wave. utilized in making a megaphone or
V
SOund waves is
board and ear trumpet.
d= 2 ..75)
tube), sound
(orspeaking By putting t = 0-1 s and V= 340 m s in air
7.3 ECHO at ordinary temperature, from eqn. (7.5), we get
echo
Production (or generation) of an d =
340 x 0-1I
= 17 m
distance from a wall
If a person stands at some hears
one
(or ahillside) and produces a sharp sound, Thus, to hear an echo distinctly, the reflecting
stinct sounds : (i) the original (or direc) surface in air should be at a minimum distance
dwhich is heard almost instantaneously, and of 17 mfrom the listener. If the distance is less
ae sound heard after reflection from the wall (or than 17 m. the reflected sound will reach the cars
HIlide) which is heard a little later than the original before the original sound dies out and therefore
sound is heard. The second sound heard after no echo will be heard.
reflection is called an echo. Thus, Note : (1) If the reflector is at a distance
The sound heard after reflection from a distant less than 17 m, the reflected sound gets mixed
obstacle (such as a cliff, ahillside, wall of a with the original sound.
builäing, edge of aforest, etc.) after the original (2) If there are repeated reflections at the
sound has ceased is calledan echo. reflecting surface, the sound gets prolonged.
This effect is known as_ reverberation. It can
Note : The reflected sound if heard along easily be experienced in high tombs like Taj
with the original sound, is not called an echo. Mahal, Sikandra, etc.
Only the sound heard after the original sound
has ceased (i.e., the sound distinctly separate Thus to hear the echo distinctly. following
from the original sound), is called an echo. three conditions must be satisfied :

Condition for hearing an echo (1) The minimum distance between the source
An echo is heard only if the distance of the of sound (or observer) and the reflector in
air must be 17 m. It is different in different
161
 the speed of sound
medium depending uponexample,
Note : Audible
in that medium. For
inside sea 20 Hz to 20 kHz) doSound
not waves
trasoniasc tIhewa(Irevaeuest in
1400x01
properties. However, possess
water, V= 1400 m s,
= 70 m. ie., to hear
so d =
echo distinctly, the
2 medium have the same
audible sound waves in
ulspeed
should be at a minimum that &
obstacle in sea water
distance of 70m from the
listener. (1) Use of echoes by medi
bats, um. spe d o

(2) The size of the reflector must

as compared to the wavelength
be large enough
of the sound
fisherman
Animals have
frequency e.g. bats, different
dolphinsaudi
andble
dolphins
ana
limit dogsranges
wave.
be such that much higher upper audible
(3) The intensity of sound should hhuave
the reflected sound reaching the
ear is beings. Bats can produce and
high frequency up to about 100
than
detectkHzsound of ve
sufticiently loud to be audible. Bats fly with speed much
7.4 DETERMINATION OF SPEED OF of lower
sound. When the sounds producedthan the
SOUND BY THE METHOD OF
ECHO
bats get reflected back from an by the ýjn
obstacle o
spes.
The echo method can be used to determine them, then by hearing the echo bats in front
even in the dark. the location of come to kng%
the speed of sound in air. For this, SOund is the
produced from a place at
dat least 50 m from the
a known
reflecting
distance
surface.
say,
The
they turn
without
away
colliding
from
with
their
the
path
obstacle. and ly safeobstacle,
hs
This oi
rangiprnog.cess
time interval in which the echo reaches
the detecting an obstacle is called
sound
place from where the sound was produced, is Dolphins detect their enemy and
noted by a stop watch having the least count by emitting ultrasonic waves and obstacl.
001 s. Then the speed of sound is calculated by echo. They also use ultrasonic waveshearing thÇr
for huntin
using the following relation : their prey.
A trawlerman or fisherman sends an ultrasoni
total distance travelled
=m s..(7.6) pulse from a source (a very high
V=
time interval vibrator) into the sea and receives the pule frequency
from the shoal of fish in a detector m
The experiment is repeated several times and reflected
then the average value of speed of sound V is total time t of the to and fro journey of the nule
determined. is recorded. The distance d of fish is thex
calculated by using the relation d= VI
2 where
75 USE OF ECHOES
is nearly 1400 m s (the speed of ultrasonic waes
Echoes find their application in sound ranging in sea water).
and echo depth sounding by using ultrasonic
waves
(2) Use of echoes by 'SONAR'
Ultrasonic waves (frequency above 20 kHz) The word SONAR' stands for soud
and ranging. Fig. 7.1 shows the
are more energetic than the audible sound, and navigation sonar in which ultrasonic waves a
a
have the following three properties which make principleseaof water in all directions from the ship.
them suitable for a wide variety of uses: sent in
undeviated throueh alono These waves are received after reflection from an
() They can travel
obstacle such as an enemy submarine, iceberg
distance,
sunken ship, etc. To find the distance of the
(2) They can be confined to a narrow beam. obstacle from the ship, the time interval t betwen
the instant
are sent and
(3) They are not easily absorbed in a medium. the instant when waves
162
 TRANSMITTER Note : ) n radar (rudio deteetion and ranging).
the echo method is ysed to detect the presence ot
an obstacle and also to fnd its range. A signal of
electromagnetic waves (such as radio waves or
micro waves) is set in space which after
CDBSTACE reflection from the object (sacth as enemy's
aeroplane) in its path, returns to the radar itself.
of sonar (2) Both in 'SONAR and RADAR tte tansmitter
Fig. 7.1 Principle
and the receiver are placed close to each Gther In
received after reflection from the Fig. 7.1, they are shown separated jpst for clarity.
waves are
measured. The distance d of the
when
obstacle is Vt (3) Use of echoes in medical field
source is then d =
from the In medical field, echo method of altrasonic
obstacle
Vis the speed
of ultrasonic waves in water. waves is used for imaging human organis (such as
depth of sea can
where
The also be found by this liver, gall bladder, uterus, womb, etc.) This is called
method. The process is then called echo depth
sounding.
ultrasonography. Similarly. echo
used to obtain the image of human cardiography is
heart
EXAMPLES
 (B) NATURAL, DAMPED AND FORCED VIBRATIONS; RESONANCE
7.6 NATURAL VIBRATIONS A body clamped at one point when disturbed
slightly from its rest position, starts vibrating. It is
The periodic vibrations of a body in the absence because the forces developed in the body due to its
of any external force onit, are called natural elasticity, tend to restore the body to its original
(or free) vibrations. position. Under the influence of these restoring
167
 its (3) When a tuning fork is
forces, the body starts to andfo motion around rubber pad, it struck
undisturbed position. The vibrations so produced are vibrates with itS aliar
called natural or free vibrations of the body. The
frequency. The
whichvibrwhen
ations form against
period (or frequency) of vibration depends ontime
the waves in air,
n atural
shape and size (or stnucture) of the body. The
period of the body is called its natural period and
the frequency is called its natural frequency. A
is heard. This sound is

produce sounds of
of
(i.e., it is a pure note). a
Di
different
reach our
f erent lo ngfretquueinnyal
single ear s,
sound
uning fotks
body, capable of vibrating, has a constant natural
frequency of its vibrations and its amplitude of
vibration rmains constant (in vacuum).
(4) When an air column in a
is made to vibrate, it
flute
frequency which is inversely
frequ(orencies.
vibrates with origtsan pipe
pro VI).tionaIn l natural
por
when length of air column (i.e., f oc
A body executes natural vibrations only
vibrations the notes of different
restoring forces are present. Natural
persist only in vacuum because the presence of by changing the effective frequencies Ihute, are
a

medium around the body offers some resistance when different holes in it length
are closed.prcooduclumned
of irr
due to which the amplitude of vibration does not organ pipe of given
length Ih
remain constant, but it continuously decreases. different modes of vibrationsopen at both an
are endsby,
Examples of natural (or free) vibrations
blowing the air
frequencies inthe ratio differently tprheyoduced
and
are of
(1) If the bob of a simple pendulum is displaced
slightly from its mean (or rest) position, it starts
1:2:3:..,
organ pipe with one end closed, the while in an
vibrating with its natural frequency which is
determined by the length I of the pendulum
of different modes are in ratio
(5) When a string in instruments
1:3:5: frequencies
and the acceleration due to gravity g at that
Sonometer, violin, etc. is plucked like sita,the
place. Its frequency is given as
transverse
vibrations
of a definiteonce,
frequency are produced in the natuTheral
Frequency f
18 ..(7.7) frequencyf of vibration in a string.
Different pendulums (having different lengths)
stretchedW
string depends on () the length l (fo
(ii) the radius r (fo« l/n), and (ii)
will vibrate with different frequencies (i.e., they the tension
will have different natural frequencies). A Tð« VT) in the string. Thus, the
simple pendulum of length 1-0 m on earth's
of note produced by a string stretched between frequency
surface, where the acceleration due to gravity
its ends is given as f=
is 9-8 ms, has its natural frequency 0:5 Hz. 21 Vr Where dis
(2) A load suspended from a spring, when the density of the material of the string and
stretched (or compressed) and then released, Td = m is the mass of unit length of the
starts vibrating with its natural frequency. Its string. Thus, the frequency f of the note can
frequency is determined by the hardness (or be increased (a) by decreasing the length I of
force constant Ky* of the spring and the mass the string, (b) by decreasing the radius r (or
1K thickness) of the string, and (c) by increasing
mof the load (f= 2rVm ). The frequency will the tension T in the string.
be different for the same load on different (6) When we strike the keys of a piano, various
b springs and it will be diferent for different strings are set in vibration each at its own
loads on the same spring. natural frequency because they are of different
* The force constant K of a spring is the force needed to
thicknesses and under different tensions.
produce
and unitaextension
less for soft spring.in it. It is more for a hard spring (7) A string of a given length stretched between
its ends under a given tension can be made 0
168
 vibratein different modes by plucking the realise such vibrations in practice. As a matter of
stringatdifferentpoints. If the string is plucked fact, the surrounding medium offers resistance (or
middle.the string vibrates in one loop
7.5(). This vibration is called friction) to the motion, so the energy of the
the
inshown
the in Fig.
principalnote of frequency f. If the string
vibrating
the
body continuously decreases due to
amplitude of vibration gradually decreases.which
as
one-fourth of
length string from
pluckedat 7.7 DAMPED VIBRATIONS
is i t vibrates
in two loops (Fig. 7.5()].
one vibrationis called the first
end
subsidiary It is ourcommon experience that
vibration
This of frequency 2f. Similarly if the string S made to vibrate in a medium, the when a body
armplitude of
one-sixth length of string from the vibrating body
time and ultimately thecontinuously decreases with
plucked at
is it
vibrates in three loops as shown in body stops vibrating Such
oneend, This vibration is called the second vibrations are called
7.5/c). damped vibrations. Thus,
Fig.
subsidiary of frequency
3f. Thus, the different
The periodic vibrations of a body of
in presence of aresistivedecreasing
viibrationin aastretched string are of
modes of
frequenciesin ratio
I:2:3. If l is amplitude
the length called force are
damped vibrations.
the string stretched between its ends, the
of modes in Fig. 7.5 (a),
wavelength of different In damped
(b)and(c) will be 2, 21/2 and 2/3 respectively vibrating bodyvibrations, : (i) the two forces force.
restoring act on the
and
6:3:2
inratio (ii) frictional (or resistive) force due to
ie. they are the
surrounding medium. The amplitude of motion
decreases due to the frictional force. The frictional
(b) (c)
(a) Frequency =2f Frequency = 3f force at any instant is proportional to the
Frequency =f
Principalnote First subsidiary Second subsidiary velocity* of the body and it has the tendency to
a string resist motion. As a result, the energy of the
Bie. 7.5 Diferent modes of vibrations in
vibrating body continuously dissipates in doing
vibrations work against the force of friction and so its
Nature of natural
amplitude
Natural vibrations are simple harmonic when it hasgradually decreases. After some time,
lost all its
wibrations under the restoring force, the amplitude The energy lost by theenergy, it stops vibrating.
and frequency of which remain constant. Once
a vibrating body changes
body starts vibrating, it continues its vibrations
continuously into heat energy and it gets
with the same amplitude and same frequency +a

forever. Fig. 7.6 shows the displacement-time

graph for natural (or free) vibrations of a body DiSPLACEMENT
in an ideal condition.
DISPLACEMEN

Fig. 7.6 Displacement-time graph for Fig. 7.7 Displacement-time graphfor damped vibrations
natural or free vilbration (in vacuum)
* From relation F= ma, if a body moving with velocity v is
The vibrations of a constant amplitude can brought to rest by a resistive force F in time t then resistive
OCCur only in vacuum. Since in practice it is very force F =
m
Thus the resistive force F needed to stop a
difficult to have vacuum, it is very difficult to moving body is proportional to the velocity vof body.
169
 at force, (ii) the frictional (or
dissipated in the surrounding medium. The rate(or
which the energy is lost to the surroundings force, and (iii) the
external periodic external rperi
or
foesistoivdiec
longer appliedamgi ,
on the an
the rate of decrease of amplitude) depends
nature (i. e., viscosity, density, etc.)shape of the vibrating body, the body no is force
and its own natural
surrounding mediunm and also on the
size of the vibrating body. Fig. 7.7 shows
the acquires the frequency, it ibrates with
of the but
frequency
force applied grapierlioydi
applied
displacement-time graph for a body executing force. The external is also
damped motion. driving force.

Examples of damped vibrations

The amplitude of the Caled he
forced vibrations
pulled and On the trequency of the
forceexternaldif efroerntce. depIfend the
branch of atree is
() When a slim frequency of the external
then released, it makes damped vibrations. natural frequency of the is
(2) Atuning fork when stroked on a rubber pad, oscillations is usually verybody, the from he
(3)
executes damped
Asimple pendulum
vibrations in
oscillating
air.
in air (or any
SOon due to the
if the frequency
small
presence of damping
of the external
ampfloirtucedse. Bu
which die ou
other medium) executes damped vibrations. equal to the natural
body, the amplitude of frequency
foorcthee is exactly
of
(4) The vibrations of a spring having a mass at oscillations is very vibrating
its end, in air are damped vibrations. absence of damping forces,
vibrations at resonance is infinite,the large. In
Difference between natural (or free) and
damped vibrations
Note : The amplitude of
amplitude
of
forced
Natural vibrations

1. The amplitude of natural

Damped vibrations
1. The amplitude of
damped vibrations
a body does not remain
constant
presence of damping forces of
the
due vibrations
of
to the
Vibrations remains constant
and the vibrations continue
forever.
gradually decreases
with time and ultimately
medium. However, it is possible to keen t
amplitude of vibrations constant by
sur ounding
the vibrations cease. external periodic force such that theapplying an
2. There is no loss of energy 2. In each vibration, there periodic force compensates for the external
loss of
in natural vibrations. is some loss of energy energy in each vibration due to the
3. No external force acts
in the form of heat.
3. In addition to the
forces. The vibrations of the body are dampithenng
on the vibrating body. restoring force, a called sympthatic vibrations.
The vibrations are only frictional or damping
under the restoring force. force acts on the body Examples of forced vibrations
to oppose its motion.
(1) When the stem of a vibrating tuning fork is
4. The frequency of 4. The frequency of
vibrations depends on the vibrations is less than pressed against the top of a table, the tuning
size and shape of the body the natural frequency.
The decrease in
fork produces forced vibrations in the table
and it remains constant.
frequency depends on top. The table top has a much larger vibrating
the damping force. area than the tuning fork, so the forced
vibrations of the table top send forth a greater
7.8 FORCED VIBRATIONS energy and produces a louder (or more
The vibrations of a body which take place under intense) sound than that produced by the
the influence of an external periodic force tuning fork.
acting on it, are called forced vibrations. (2) The vibrations produced in the diaphragm of
a microphone sound box with frequencies
The body executing forced vibrations is thus corresponding to the speech of the speaker,
acted upon by three forces : (i) the restoring are forced vibrations.

170
 when an artist plays on its Supposewitha body is set to vibrate
stringsbyhis fingers,the vibrations in them vibrates
guitar, a frequency f It is freely
the natural
and it
a
cause
In forced vibrations in the air enclosed frequency of vibration of the body. Now let a

hollow
box.
provided
with a
periodic force of frequency n be applied
on the
in stringedinstruments
its If n =f,vibrating body. resonance takes
place andof
hollowsOund box containing air, strings the body starts getting energy fron the source
In
4) vibrate by plucking which the applied periodic
vibration increases. Inforce,
case so
to
made
produce
forced vibrations in the air of the n isitsgreater
amplitude
or lessof
are
sOundbox. The surface area of the air in the than f, (i.e., not equal to f). there will be no
soundboxis large, so the forced vibrations resonance and the body will execute only forced
sendforth a greater
energy and cause vibrations of small amplitude.
aofairsound.
loud Condition for resonance
between natural (or free) and
Differenceforced vibrations Resonance occurs only when the applied force
Natural(Free)vibrations Forced vibrations causes forced vibration in the body and the
frequency of the applied force is exactly equal
bodv
vibrationsofaresistive
1. The vibrations of a body to the natural frequency of the
The any
in a medium in presence vibrating body.
absenceof arecalled of an external periodic At resonance, a loud sound is heard
in
external force force are called forced because the
natural
or vibrations.
vibrations. body vibrating with a very large amplitude sends
forth a large amount of energy in the
vibration 2. The frequency of vibration
frequency of and
medium.
2 The on theshape
is equal to the frequency Demonstration of resonance
depends body. of the applied force. The
sizeofthe 3. The frequency of phenomenon of resonance can be
frequency of vibbration vibration changes with demonstrated by the following experiments.
The constant.
remains
change in the frequency
of the applied force. Experiment (1)-Resonance with tuning
of
forks :
Mount two identical tuning forks A and
amplitude of vibration4. The amplitudeB of the same frequency on wo separate
The time vibration depends on the
4
remains constant
with
frequency of the applied
sound
surrounding boxes such that their open ends face each other
(in absence of force.
medium). as shown in Fig. 7.8. When the prong of one of
RESONANCE (a special case of forced the tuning forks say, Ais struck on a rubber pad.
7.9 it starts vibrating. On putting the tuning
vibrations)
we find that the other
When a body vibrates in a medium under theoI A On 1S sound box,
tuning fork B also starts vibrating and a loud
influence of an external periodic force of sound is heard.
frequency exactly equal to the natural frequency FREQUENCY n
of vibration of the body, it is said to execute
resonant vibrations. These vibrations are of large
amplitude. The amplitude at resonance depends on
the frictional forces. Thus,
Resonance is aspecial case of forced vibrations.
|When the frequency of the externally applied
periodic force on a body is equal to its
Natural frequency, the body eadily begins to vibrate Fig. 7.8 Resonance with tuning forks
with an increased amplitude. This phenomenon is
known as resonance. The vibrations of large Reason - The vibrating tuning fork A
amplitude are called resonant vibrations. produces forced vibrations in the air column of
171
 RUBBER STRING amplitude of pendulum B
Aincreases. This
process
(2) The vibrations of dcontecinreueasess.
and
with those of A(i.e.,
positions on either side they pendulum
B
reach are in pha
heir
o
(3) The pendulumsC
each of them vibrate
Explanation - The
simultanDaleosmallussloy). Vibrateex,reme
and
with a very
t
Fig. 7.9 Forced and resonant vibrations of pendulums
its sound box. These vibrations are of large
to
pendulum Aare communicated
all the other
pendulums
as
B, C
Vibrationsforcedand prDoadmuphrhctueoddeug
penduluofms wibraioannd
string PÌ. The
amplitude because of large surface area of air in the rubber
the sound box. They are communicated to the
remain the state of forced
in
C
Sound box of the fork B. The air column of B
starts vibrating with the frequency of fork A,
pendulum B comes in
natural
because the
the state
A(being of of
vib rations,
frequency samependulresounmance. while the D

Since the frequency of these vibrations is the equal to that of the Bi

same as the natural frequency of the fork B, the therefore there is an
fork Breadily picks up these vibrations and starts the pendulums Aand B.
exchange
of
When energy \ength), nd

amplitude amplitbeudetwe na
Vibrating under resonance. Thus the two sound pendulum Bincreases, the the
A decreases (because of of
boxes help in communicating the vibrations and
in increasing the amplitude of vibrations. vice-versa. Pendulum B,
the frequency of pendulum A
energy
therefore, pe n dulnand,
consevirvbartaiotens) with
Experiment (2) - Forced and resonant phase with pendulum A. and it
vibrations of pendulums : Take four pendulums remains in
A, B. C and D. Suspend them from the same Fig. Experiment (3)-Resonance
in air
elastic support, say from a piece of stretched 7.10 shows an arrangement for col u mn :

consistsstudyiof nag lothnge

resonance in an air column, It
rubber string PQ as shown in Fig. 7.9. A and B
are pendulums of the same length, so their natural cylindrical tube Aand a cylindrical vessel B. The
frequency of vibration is same. Dis a pendulum
tube Ais fixed, while the vessel Bcan
be moved
which is longer than A or B, so its natural up or down and can be
Aclamped
at a desi
frequency is lower than that of Aor B. Pendulum position. Both the tube and the vessel Bredare
Cis shorter than A or B, so its natural frequency connected at their lower ends by a rubber tub:
is higher than that of A or B. The two unequal and they are partially filled with water. The
serves as a resemuot.
ones (i.e., Cand D) are being suspended on either mOVable vessel B
side of the pendulum B.
Pendulum A is set into vibration by displacing
its bob to one side, normal to the length of t h e l A
SCALE
string PQ.
Observation : (1) Pendulun B also starts
vibrating initially with a small amplitude but
gradually it acquires the same amplitude as
pendulum A initially had. When the amplitude of
pendulum B becomes maximum, the amplitude of
pendulum A becomes minimum because of RUBBER TUBE

sharing of energy by them. Thereafter the Fig. 7.10 Resonance in air column

172
 pipe with water
closedend air
asa the closed end (i.e., the
Difference between forced and
forming resonant yibrations
it an air column is formed
Thus,
Surtace)
surface and its Forced vibrations
between the water Resenant vibrations
ecting
frequency of vibrations of air L.The vibrations of a body
tube A
natural length (since f o 1/). By under an extermal periodic 1.The vitrtions of s
he
force of frequency different body ndet at external
on its
The
a
mouth.
depends
reservoir up or down, the length from the natural frequency pervdie force of
B of the body, are called froquency etactly equal
alumn
columnin tube
the Acan be changed due to he tatirl fregiencyY
forced vibrations,
nping frequency of the air column of the body, ate called
the
air
natural
the tesonant vibticns
awf hch
changes. 2. The amplitude of
o experiment, the tube A is small. vibration 2. The amplitude of
ubeA
performing the vibration is very large
af
water up to the top. Then a 3.The vibrations of the
While
filled with
body3. The vibrations of fhe
fork is placed just above the are not in phase with the
body are in phase with
fist tuning
s
vibrating and the level of water in it is external periodic force. the extermal periodic
tube A force.
oflowered
gradually 4.These vibrations last for a 4. These vibrations last
A loud sound is heard at a very small time after the
Observation: for a long time after
water. On further lowering the periodic force has ceased the periodic force has
level of loud sound ceases, to act.
ceased to act.
certain
waterin
tube A, the
column in the tube
levelof the length of air 7.10 SOME EXAMPLES OF
when
nearly three
times of the previous one, RESONANCE
but
becomes again. (1) Resonant vibrations of pendulums : As
is heard discussed earlier in experiment (2). if two
.loudsound The vibrating tuning fork held
Explanation - pendulums of the same length are suspended
mouth of the tube A, produces from a rubber string and one pendulum is
above the
just vibrations in the air column of tube A. made to vibrate, the other pendulum also
forced air column is decreased
frequency of starts vibrating with a large amplitude and
Whenthe of the air column (i.e.,
increasing the length the tube), at a
in same phase because of resonance.
by water level in
lowering theof water in tube A, a loud sound is (2) Resonance in machine parts : When a
certainlevel vehicle is driven, the piston of the engine
happens when the natural frequency
heard. This makes to and fro motion at a frequency
equal to the frequency
of the air column becomes vibrations of the air depending upon the speed of the vehicle. The
of the tuning fork, i.e., the with those of the vibrations caused by the movement of the
column are in resonance piston are communicated to all parts of the
water level
uning fork. On further lowering the vehicle. It is just possible that at a certain
column does not
in tube A, the frequency of air speed of the vehicle some parts (or frame)
the
remain equal to the frequency of the fork, so of the vehicle may have a natural frequency
loud sound ceases. But on further lowering the of vibration equal to the frequency of the to
level of water, a stage is again reached when a and fro movement of the piston. At this
Joud sound is heard. At this stage, the frequency
particular speed of the vehicle, that particular
of the air column again becomes equal to the part or frame starts vibrating vigorously due
frequency of the tuning fork when the length of to resonance and a rattling sound is heard.
air column becomes three times the previous
If this part is not tightly fixed, such vibrations
length, so resonance occurs again. may cause the part to drop out. To stop these

173
 crosses a suspension
vibrations, the speed of the vehicle is
changed, so that the condition of resonance
asked to break their
when soldiers marchsteps.
bridge, the
is disturbed.
exerts a periodic force in
in
The
therefore the bridge the samecach lha
steps, reason
is are soldiers
executes phase soliey
occur in all
Note : Thus, resonance can
vibrations of
kinds of machines while operating in a frequency
of their steps. Incidently equal
if
to thethe ano
particular condition. the bridge
frequency equalfreouhanpcyens
to have its natural
of the steps of
(3) Resonance in a stretched string and bridge
frequency
will vibrate the to
and

Suspensionamsbporlliidtduiegdrees, tmdueay
sound box of musical instruments with a large
vibrating string by itself to resonance and the he
sonometer : A
be collapse.
produces avery weak sound which cannot
(6) Resonance in radio and TV
heard ata distance. Therefore, all musical
receirecveersivers b:aTselhe
tuning of a radio and TV
stringed instruments such as sitar, guitar and is
on resonance. The radio and
sonometer are provided with a sound box have electronic TV
(i.e. a hollow chamber). The box is
so
electromagnetic circuits
which r e c eiNer,
constructed that the column of air inside it, vibrations,
the
produce
has a natural frequency which is same as that
of the string stretched on it, so that when the
inside
of
which can be
the electronic
changed
capacity of condenser or the
by varying
th
componentse of
the
fre(qeuitehnercyvalues
string is made to vibrate, the air column
the box is set into forced vibrations, the
frequency of which is the same as that of the
coil)*. When we want to tune a
receiver, we merely adjust the radio (or
electronic components to produce of the
TV) invalducuestance
of

string. Since the sound box has a large area,

it sets a large volume of air into vibrations,
of frequency equal to that of the
which we want to receive. Whenradio waves
vibrations
so due to resonance, a loud sound is produced. frequencies match, resonance Occurs and both the
(4) Resonance in air column and tuning fork:
the energy of the signal of that only
As described in experiment (3), when the
frequency is received from the waves present particular
in space, leaving the signals of other
frequency of the air column becomes equal
to the frequency of the tuning fork vibrating
frequencies which do not match with tha
over its mouth, a loud sound is heard due to
frequency of the receiver circuit. The
received is then amplified in the receiverSigsetnal
resonance.

(5) Resonance in a bridge : When a troop * Usuallythe capacity of condenser is changed.

(C) CHARACTERISTICS OF SOUND &THEIR SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE NATURE
7.11 CHARACTERISTICS OF SOUND (2) pitch (or shrillness), and
Two sounds can be distinguished from (3) quality (or timbre).
one another by the following three differentThe above characteristics of a given sound can
characteristics : be studied from the wave pattern of that sound.
(1) loudness, Fig. 7.17 shows a set-up to obtain the wave
178
 using a microphone and bt they differ in smplitude.
sound wave,
rayoscilloscope (CRO.). The sound o sound correspornds to the waveObvionsly, the loud
of large amplitude.
produced before the microphone is
studed is Y-input of C.R.0. The wave or Similarly
a
when the key of a piano is hit hard
pipe
is blown hard. we
tothe(ie. displacement--ttime graph) is to the vibrating
tterno/sound
COnncCted
systerm due to impart
which themoreamplitude
eneryY
screcn of C.R.0. of
o nthe VIBAATING vibrations is increased and a loud soud of the
abained
CAO TUNING same characteristics isproduced Thus.
FORK
MICROPHONE
Loudness of sound depends on the amplitude
of the wave.
Intensity:The intensity of asond wave at a
TO Y-INPUT point of the medium is the amount of
sound
the energy passing per second normally through a unit
717 Sel-uptostudy sound pattern area at that point. Its
Fig. unit is watt per metre
Loudnessand intensity (Wm'). The intensity of ordinary sound is nearly
10-6 Wm, while minimum intensity of sound
Loudness is the characteristic by
Loudness: audible to our ears is 102 Wm Greater the
of which
a loud sound can be
distinguishedfrom a faint one, both
virtue having the energy carried by a sound wave. greater is the
quality intensity of sound. The intensity of a sound wave
and in air is proportional to (a) the square of the
samepitch
Take a tuning fork. Strike it gently on the amplitude
of vibrations,(c)(b)thethedensity
frequency of vibrations, squareof air
of and
the
rubberpad. You will hear a feeble (or soft) sound. (d) the velocity of sound in air.
in front of the microphone. Sketch the
it
Bring on the Screen of C.RO. Now Subjective nature of loudness and objective
you observe
trace tuning fork hard. Aloud sound is nature of intensity
strikethe same
heard. Bringthetuning fork near the microphone. The loudness of a sound depends on ( the
Againsketch the trace observed on the screen of intensity i.e., the energy conveyed by the sound
sketches
CRO. Fig. 7.18 shows two such wave near the eardrum of the listener, and (ü) the
the two waves the same sensitivity of the ears of the listener. Thus.
In Fig. 7.18, same wave formhave
(sine wave), loudness of sound of a given intensity may differ
and the
frequency
’DISPLACEMENT
from listener to listener i.e., sound of the same
SMALL intensity may appear to be of different loudness
AMPLITUDE
to different persons due to differences in the
TIME’ sensitivities of their ears. Further, two sounds of
the same intensity, but of different frequencies
DISPLACEMENT’
(a) SOFT NOTE
may differ in loudness even to the same listener
because the sensitivity of ears of a person is
different for different frequencies. For
LARGE
AMPLITUDE
normal ears, the sensitivity is maximum at the
frequency 1 kHz. Thus, for a sound wave,
TIME’
loudness has a subjective nature, Le., it depends
on the listener, while intensity, being a
(b) LOUD NOTE measurable quantiny, has an objective nature.
Fig. 7.18 Soft and loud notes

179
 Relationship
Factors affecting the loudness of sound
of sound heard at a place
intensity between
The loudness
depends on the following five factors :
of
(i) Loudness is proportional to the squarewith
the ampliude : When a body vibrates
it sends forth a
Although loudness of
intensity, but
Intensity is a
is a
loudness is notsound
sensation.a measurabl
the louddnepeesnds
e quantity,same aS onis
a greater amplitude, Experimentally.
relatiisonshigivenp betas:weenWeberwhileand lotmutdenseilN
the established
greater amount of energy and hence
energy received by the eardrum is large, intensity I which
so the sound appears louder.
from the source :
distance
square of
(i) Loudness varies inversely as Ifthethe listener
where K is a constant
L=K log0 \oudhesS
Fe c hm
L e
an
the
is close to the source of sound, person Obviously, loudness increasesof with
hears it quite louder,
person is far away,
but
the
when
sound
the

feeble. If one moves further away from

when
same
becomes

the
intensity, but not in the samne
Units of loudness
decibel) : The unit of and
proportiioncnraealsie
proportion.
ihe
soundis level in
reach
the source, a stage may Thus, closer the to indicate an
sound becomes inaudible. The level of sound is
loudness
individual's perceptiophon.n of(phon and
source, louder is the sound. expressed
desamecib\oeuldhes(.dB,
The loudness of a in
(ii) Loudness depends on the surface area of loudness in decibel of an sound in phon is
the vibrating body : A large vibrating area
of frequency 1 kHz. equally
Thus,
as the
loud pure sound
sends forth a greater amount of energy.
decibel scales agree at the both the
Hence larger the surface area of the
vibrating body, louder is the sound heard. From eqn. (7.8),
schools. the intensity I as L = K
the loudness Lis frequency phon
and the
1kHz.
For this reason, the
big
bell
in
in
size. frequency, I, and Io arelogo If at a to
the
I. related
temples etc. is made gvenof
sound given by it is feeble, but when it
two sounds of which loudness
When a tuning fork is sounded in air, the respectively, then
L, =
are L L
and intensities
is placed on a table top, the sound Klog0 and L, =1
becomes much louder. The reason is that Hence difference in loudness of the K 'o logo
the vibrations set up by the tuning fork in two Sounds is
the table top, due to its large surface area
L=L-
Ly = K
(log10 -log I) 1
sets in vibration a large surface area of air L=K log10 lo
in contact with the table top. Thus, the ..19)
sound energy reaching our ears increases. If I, is the minimum intensity (= 10-12
Similarly in case of stringed instruments, of audible sound Wm
at frequency 1kHz, then Li
a sound chamber is provided to increase called the sound level.
the volume of air to vibrate and hence the
loudness of sound increases. Taking K = 1, the sound level is written as
(iv) Loudness depends on the density of the
medium : More the density of medium, L=log1o bel
more is the loudness.
(v) Loudness depends on the presence of L= bel
resonant bodies : The presence of resonant
bodies near the vibrating body increases
the loudness of sound.
180
 decibel (dB), (hen Noise pollution :
belas
I ww
e rie 10
to
Disturbance produced in the environment due
decibel (dB)..7.10)
undesirable loud and harsh sound. of level
above 120 dB, from various
L=
101
loudspeaker, siren, sources such as
moving vehicles, etc. is called
(dB) isthe unit of loudness n01se pollution. Aconstant
decibel Alexander Grabam level above exposure to sound of
bel
or
afier the scientist 120 dB can cause headache and
Here
named telephone.
of
permanent damage to the
ears of the listener. The
inventor
Obriously
evel,
safe limit of level ofof sound
forI, =o soundlevel L= 0dB .e. 0to 80 dB. Sound level 10for dBhearing
to 30isdBfrom
has
the
10-12 Wm² at
intensity frequeny a soothing sensation, while the sound of
of zero dB. If intensity at a 0dB represents the lower limit of level
sound loudness of
has
to , =1 100 I,, the increase hearing.
KHe from , 2 dB. For an Note : The limit of hearing should not be
J
Increases
log,100 =:20
pomt level
increase
sound
injntensity rom %to I, = 10,000 o confused
will be 10 audibility with
refersthetolimit of audibility.range
the frequency Theofimit
soundof
in
soundlevel will be
10 log,, 10,000 from 20 Hz to 20 kHz which a
in human can hear.
increase
while the limit of hearing is the
the
of loudness (= 0 dB) which a lowest level
= 0 dB.
human can hear.
then 10 log10
NowifL=1 dB, (2) Pitch (or shrillness) and
frequency
Pitch is that characteristic of sound by which am
acute (or shrill) note can be distinguished from a
= Antilog (0-1) = 1-26
1
=Antilog J0 grave (orflat) note of the same loudness and quality
Pitch is considered only in reference to
defined as the increase in level musical sounds. Each musical note has a definite
Thus1 dB is intensity of sound
loudness whhen the pitch. If the pitch is high, the sound is shrill and
of
increasesby26%. if the pitch is low, the sound is flat. In a
tape
produced by different objects recorder (or TV), the terms bass and treble reter
Level of'sound to the low and high pitch respectively. At bass,
Objectproducing sound Sound level (dB)
low pitch (i.e., grave) sound produced by
140
Jetattakeoff percussion instruments like tabla or dholak
130
Popconcert becomes predominant, while at treble, high pitch
120
Police car siren (i.e., shrill) sound produced by flute or
Heavy hammering machine 110
ghoonghroo (ankle bells) becomes predominant.
90
Diesel lorry
Motoreycle or car 80 Pitch of a note depends on its frequency. Two
Vacuum cleaner 60 notes sounded on the same instrument
Normal conversation 50 with same amplitude, will difer in pitch when
30 their vibrations are of diferent frequencies.
Soft whisper
Recording studio 20
Fig. 7.19 shows the traces of two waves
Leaves rusting 10
obtained on the screen of C.R.O. when two
Droping pin (minimum 0
audible sound)
tuning forks Aand B of frequencies 256 Hz and
512 Hz respectively are separately made to
181
 DISPLACEMENT above the water level
of sound produced
becomes shriller and decr e ase
shriincreases
s, so the
l er. i.e.,
TIME sound from a distance, Thus by (he
water level in the pitcher.one

Fork A (Grave sound)

(d) The voice of a
woman is
higher pitch than that of a
can
hearing sound he
get the

(a) LOW PTCH NOTE (Frequency =t)

Subjective nature of
man.
nature of frequency pitch and
USualy ia
Pitch is not the same as
depends on the sensation as
listener. It may be different
objectiv
frequency. Piuche
particular frequency to different for a perceived
by a
is of a subjective nature).
frequency is a measurable
On thelistenersotSohuenrd
( oi a
Fork B (Shrill sound) the source producing the sound. Itquantity. hand
b) HIGH PITCH NOTE (Frequency = 2f)
Fig. 7.19 Waves of diferent pitch
value for a given sound which It has a n
frequency of its source. It has is to he
dequalepends
vibrate one after the other (by striking them with the listener, so frequency is of nothing
to do
timbre) and objwave
ective nature.
the same force on a rubber pad) in front of the (3) Quality (or wh
microphone of the experimental set-up shown in form
Fig. 7.17. Both the traces have the same Quality (or timbre) of a
amplitude and the same wave form (i.e., sine characteristic which sound is that
wave), but they differ in frequency. On hearing
the sounds of the two tuning forks, it is observed
sounds of the same loudness
but emitted by two different
distinguishessamethe two
and

that the sound of tuning fork B of frequency of change in their wave forms. instruments becauspitch,e
512 Hz is shriller than the sound of tuning
fork A of frequency 256 Hz. Thus, more the Fig. 7.20 shows the wave
frequency of a wave, higher is its pitch and less sounds of same loudness patterns
(i.e., same
of

the frequency of a wave, lower is its pitch. and same pitch (i.e., same
frequency). amplitude)
from two different sources. They producebut emit ed
Examples of change in pitch : (a) In string sensations in our ears because they if erent
instruments, differi
frequency ofsuch as piano,
vibrations of aviolin
string and guitar,on the
depends the form where one is a sine wave while thein other
wave
is a triangular wave.
tension, and thickness of the string. They can
produce notes of different pitch by changing the
thickness and tension of the string. A note of time

higher pitch can be obtained by vibrating the string

under high tension or by vibrating a thinner string. (a)

(b) In case of a flute, a lower note is obtained

’ time
by closing some more holes so that the length of
the vibrating air column increases.
(b)
(c) As the water level in a pitcher kept under Fig. 7.20 Two sounds of same amplitude (.e, same
a water tap rises, the length of the air column loudness) and same frequency but of different wave forms

182
 present in the musical note make the wave
musicalsound depends on the
complex. It is not a sine curve. form

Thus,
emits sound of a single on the the quality of a musical sound depends
fork number of subsidiary notes and their
tuning
monotone. On the other
hand, the
a
instrument does not contain a note
Onlyi e , relative amplitudes present in it alongwith the
aguencY
tioman butit contains a
combination principal note.
sOUnd
frequency, frequencies and different Different
single

vibrations
of different
vibration ofthe Jowest frequency subsidiary notes. A
instruments produce different
of
The called the principal large note played on apiano has a
is
the vibrations of same number
Ayplitudes.
of amplitude of subsidiary notes, while
maximum and note the
fimdlanmental)vibration of when played on a flute contains only
and multiples it. are called the a few subsidiary notes.
integersecondary) vibrations. The Thus. we can easily
(or
fiequency distinguish between the sounds of a piano and a
sMbsidliary(or smallamplitudes. The flute by
are of their different wave
vibrations
ibrationobtained by
subsidiary the superpositton may be of exactly the same forms, though they
the wave form of the pitch.
loudness and same
resulant vibrations, gives
these hear
efall we Recognition of the sources of two sounds by
whCh
with the set-up of Fig. 7.17,
sownd
suppose
frequency 256 Hz is struck their quality : The sound from each vibrating
Now fork of body has its characteristic wave form. This makes
tuning
front of the microphone and it possible for a person to recognise the vibrating
firsta
placedin frequency 256 Hz is produced body even without
and note of traces seeing it. You generally
a tront ofF the microphone. The recognise person by hearing one's voice on
a
next
pianoin screen of C.R.0. for the telephone without seeing
bya on the
7.21. The him/her. It is because the
obtained
areshown in Fig. vibrations produced by the vocal chord of each
CaSes curve) of
(WO shows a pure note (Sine person have a characteristic wave form which is
sketch(a) produced by the tuning fork, different for different persons. Similarly. one can
frequency
single sketch(b) is of the same amplitude and distinguish and recognise the sounds of two
the it has a
whilefrequency
same (or same pitch), but different musical instruments because of their
form due to the presence of a different wave forms even if they are of the same
different wave vibrations alongwith the
iure of subsidiary pitch and same loudness.
vibration. The subsidiary vibrations
principal To summarize, the table below gives the factors
DISPLACEMENT
DISPLACEMENT’ affecting the different characteristics of sound
TIME’ Characteristics Factor

1. Loudness Amplitude
(a) WAVE FORM OF TUNING
FORK 2. Pitch Frequency
3. Timbre or quality Wave form

7.12 MUSIC AND NOISE

TIME ’
All sounds, which produce the sensation
of hearing, can be divided into Dvo categones
(b) WAVE FORM OF A PIANO (1) music, and (2) noise.
Fig. 7.21 Pure note and musical note (1) Music : It is a pleasant, continuous and
uniform sound produced by regular and
183
 periodic vibrations For example, the sounds
produced by a violin, piano, flute, tuning
fork, ete. are musical sounds. The sound level
of these musical sounds is usually between
10dB to 30 dB.
(2) Noise : The soundother than the musical sound
is called noise. It is a sound produced by an
irregular seccession of disturbances. It is
USually a d§scontinuouS sound. It is discordant Time
and unpleasant to the ears. For example, the
Fig. 7.22 Wave forms of a
sound produced when a stone is thrown on a tin
shade is a noise. Usually all the sounds of level
musical sound
and noise
Note : There is no sharp

differencedif erence bclwecn

above 120 dB are termed as noise. music and noise. The
sound which is music to is
Fig. 7.22 shows the wave forms of a musical
sound and noise. noise to others. For example, someone,subjectivemu. sic
may A
for the young generation, while pop song is be a
for the older generation. it may be a
nose
COMPARISON BETWEEN MUSIC AND NOISE
Music Noise
1. tis regular, smooth and pleasant to the ears. 1. It is harsh, discordant and
2 It is produced by the vibrations which are periodic. 2. It is produced by an unpleasant to the ear.
disturbances. irregular succession
3. All the component waves are similar without any 3. The component waves change
sodden change in their wavelength and amplitude.
their
suddenly and they are of short duration. character
4. The sound level is low (between 10 dB to 30 dB). 4. The sound level is high (above 120 dB)
5. The wave form is regular. 5. The wave form is irregular.
Example : The sound produced by musical instruments. Example : The sound produced by an
roller, industrial machines, etc. aeroplane,,road
EXAMPLES
DISPLACEMENT
(in
mm)
1. In Fig. 7.23, Aand Brepresent the displacement 14 B
distance graphs for two sound waves when they
pass through air. (a) What is the relation between
their (i) velocities, (i) wavelengths, (ii) pitch, DISTANCE’
X
and (iv)loudness ? (b) How do they differ in 2x
qyality
mm) ?
DISPLACEMENT
(In

Fig. 7.23
DISTANCE ’ (a)(i) Velocity of both the waves A and B is same,
2x since it depends on the medium through which
they pass which is the same (i.e., air) in both
the cases i.e., V= VB:
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