Definition of Sound
Sound is produced by a vibrating body, hence a vibrating body would
always produce sound, sometimes the vibration is clearly observable and the
sound is strong whereas in some cases the vibration is small and the sound is
feeble.
Example-When the diaphragm of a drum is struck, it vibrates and produces
sound, When the air column vibrates within a flute it produces sound.
Propagation of Sound
Sound can propagate through solids, liquids and gases. It cannot propagate
through vacuum.
Sound can propagate through solids, Hence the doctor checks us using the
stethoscope. He can hear the sound from within our body because sound
travels through solids.
Sound can propagate through liquids, in fact this is how aquatic animals
communicate with each other.
Sound can propagate through gases, this is the reason why we are able to
hear a person standing near us speak.
Generation of Sound by Humans
In humans sound is produced because of the vibration of the voice box
called larynx. The larynx is situated at the upper end of the windpipe.
It comprises two stretched membranes called vocal cords with a narrow slit
between them, when we say air passes through those stretched membranes
they produce different sounds in accordance with stretching.
Sound Heard by Ears:
The shape of our outer ear is like a funnel, sound waves enter inside. It
travels down a canal and at the end of it, touches a thin stretched membrane
called the eardrum.
The eardrum vibrates to the effect of sound. The ear passes on these
vibrations to the inner ear and then there to the brain which processes it.
Various Terms Used In Sound
1. Frequency-The number of oscillations per second is called the frequency of
oscillation.
Frequency is expressed in Hertz(Hz)
Frequency=No. of Oscillation Time(Seconds)=
Frequency determines the shrillness or the pitch of the sound. Higher the
frequency, higher the pitch or it is said that the sound is shrilling.
Lower the frequency ,lower the shrill or Pitch. Example-Babies voice has
more frequency and thereby more shrilling than an adult voice.
2. Amplitude-It is a measure of the intensity of the sound, Amplitude
determines the loudness of the sound.
Loudness is proportional to the square of amplitude of the vibration body
producing sound.
Loudness=KAmplitude2 K=Proportionality Constant
Loudness is measured in a unit called Decibel(dB)
The more the amplitude of vibration, the louder the sound is.
The lesser the amplitude of vibration, the sound is feeble.
Audible and Inaudible Sound
The human ear can recognize sound in the range of 20 Hz -20 KHz. These
are called audible sounds. Example-Music, Instruments, Cracker
Frequencies below 20 Hz and greater than 20 KHz cannot be heard by the
human ear. These are called inaudible sounds. Example-It is believed that
bat calls are in the inaudible ultrasonic range. Dogs can hear frequencies
greater than 20 KHz so they are used by the police to respond to such
whistles.
Ultrasound scans produce sounds in this range.
Difference between Noise and Music
Music refers to pleasant sounds which we would like to hear. Example-
Musical instruments like flute, guitar, violin, etc.
Sound which are unpleasant to hear are termed as noise. Example-Honking
of vehicles, Loud-crackers, Explosions
Noise Pollution
Presence of excessive or unwanted sounds in the environment around us is
called Noise Pollution.
Sources of Noise Pollution
Vehicles honking on the road
Explosions
Bursting Crackers
Loud Speakers
Noise pollution may leads to health related problems such as anxiety, stress,
lack of sleep
Measure to limit Noise Pollution
Avoid or minimize use of crackers.
Industry and factory units which produce a lot of noise should be set up
away from residential areas