Chapter 10 : Sound
Define the terms -
1. Amplitude-The maximum distance moved by a vibrating object from its resting
position. It tells us how strong or loud a sound is.
2. Eardrum-A thin membrane inside the ear that vibrates when sound waves reach it.
These vibrations help us hear sound.
3. Frequency-The number of vibrations or oscillations made in one second. It is
measured in hertz (Hz).
4. Hertz (Hz)-The unit of frequency. One hertz means one vibration per second.
5. Larynx-A part of the throat (voice box) that contains vocal cords. It helps produce
sound in humans.
6. Loudness-The measure of how strong or intense a sound is. Loudness depends on
the amplitude of vibrations.
7. Noise-Unpleasant or unwanted sound that can disturb people and cause hearing
problems.
8. Oscillation-One complete to-and-fro movement of an object about its central
position.
9. Pitch-The property of sound that tells us whether it is high or low. Pitch depends on
frequency.
10. Time Period-The time taken to complete one full oscillation.
11. Vibration-The rapid back-and-forth movement of an object that produces sound.
12. Voice Box-Another name for the larynx. It contains the vocal cords that help
produce sound.
13. Windpipe-The tube through which air passes from the throat to the lungs. It also
helps carry air to the voice box for producing sound.
Textual Exercise -
Que1. A pendulum oscillates 40 times in 4 seconds. Find its time period and frequency.
[Link] number of oscillations per second of the vibrating body is known as the
frequency of oscillation.
Frequency = Total number of oscillations
Total time taken
= 50/5
= 10 Hz
The time period is the time taken to complete one oscillation. It is also the inverse of
frequency.
Time period = 1/Oscillating frequency
= 1/10
= 0.1 s
∴ frequency = 10 Hz
Time period = 0.1 s
Que2. The sound from a mosquito is produced when it vibrates its wings at an average
rate of 500 vibrations per second. What is the time period of the vibration?
[Link] time period is defined as the time taken to complete one oscillation. It is also
the inverse of frequency.
Time period = 1
Oscillation frequency
Oscillation frequency = 500 Hz
The time period of the vibration = 1/500 = 0.002 s
Que3. Identify the part which vibrates to produce sound in the following instruments.
(a) Dholak
(b) Sitar
(c) Flute
Ans3(a) Dholak – It consists of a head which is a stretched membrane. Vibrations are set
into these stretched strings. When the head is beaten gently, these vibrations produce
sound, and thus Dholak produces sound.
b) Sitar – It is a musical instrument. Stretched strings are part of it. Vibrations are
produced when the string is plucked when played. These vibrations produce sound, and
thus sitar produces sound.
c) Flute – It’s an instrument which has holes in it. It is a hollow pipe. The air inside the pipe
is set into vibration when air is blown over its mouth, and this produces a pleasant sound.
Que4. What is the difference between noise and music? Can music become noise
sometimes?
[Link] is a sound which is pleasant to hear. Sounds from flutes, pianos and violins
are pleasant to hear.
Noises are sounds which are unpleasant to hear.
Sounds which are unpleasant to hear are:
(a) Sounds from bus horns and truck horns.
(b) Electrical generator sounds.
(c) Gunshot sounds.
(d) Jackhammer sounds
Yes, sometimes, when the music is played at high volumes, it also becomes noise.
Que5. List sources of noise pollution in your surroundings.
[Link] pollution sources in our surroundings are listed below:
(a) Bus and car horns
(b) Firecrackers and loudspeakers
(c) High volumes in televisions and transistors
(d) Mixers at home
e) Sirens from factories
Que6. Explain in what way noise pollution is harmful to humans.
Ans6.A number of health issues are associated with noise pollution. They are as follows:
(a) Stress
(b) Headache
(c) Hearing loss
(d) Insomnia
(e) Hypertension
Que7. Sketch the larynx and explain its function in your own words.
Ans7.
When we swallow something, the larynx moves. There are two vocal cords inside the
larynx. The air passes through a small gap which is present in between them. The lungs
force the air into the gap when we speak, and this vibrates the vocal cord, due to which
sound is produced.
Que8. Lightning and thunder take place in the sky at the same time and at the same
distance from us. Lightning is seen earlier, and thunder is heard later. Can you explain
why?
[Link] speed of light is more than the speed of sound. Thus, lightning is seen first,
which is accompanied by thunder later.
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