CHAPTER

Sound
Sound is a form of energy which produces a sensation of hearing in our ears. It is Chapter Objectives
produced by vibrating objects. Vibration means a kind of rapid to and fro motion of
Range of Hearing
an object. We can produce sound by striking the tuning fork, by plucking, scratching,
rubbing, blowing or shaking different objects. They all produce sound due to Reflection of Sound Waves
vibrations. Echo
Characteristics of Sound
Basically sound require a material medium (solid, liquid or gas) for their propagation,
Free (or Natural), Forced and
so they are called mechanical waves. Damped Vibrations

Propagation of Sound in Air Resonance

When a vibrating object moves forward in air, it pushes and compresses the air in
front of it, creating a compression which starts to move away from the vibrating
object. When the vibrating object moves backwards, then it creates rarefaction.
Compression is the part of a longitudinal wave in which the particles of the medium
are closer to one another than they normally are and it is the region of high pressure.
It is denoted by C.
Rarefaction is the part of a longitudinal wave in which the particles of the medium
are farther apart than they normally are and it is the region of low pressure. It is
denoted by R.

C R C R

A vibrating object creating a series of

compressions (C ) and rarefactions (R )
in the medium

As the object moves back and forth rapidly, a series of compressions and
rarefactions is created in air. These make the sound wave that propagates through the
medium.
Terms Related with Sound Waves Relationship between Speed, Frequency
Sound waves can be described by following terms and Wavelength of a Sound Wave
Suppose distance travelled by a wave is λ (wavelength), in
Wavelength
time T , then the speed is given by
The distance between the two consecutive compressions
λ
or two consecutive rarefactions, is called the wavelength. v=
Wavelength is the minimum distance in which sound T
wave repeats itself. It is represented by a Greek letter 1
lambda (λ). Its SI unit is metre (m). We know that, f =ν=
T
Frequency Therefore, v=λ ×ν
It tells us how frequently an event occurs. The number of or v = νλ
complete waves (or oscillations) produced in one second
is called frequency of the wave/sound. It is the number of or Speed (velocity) = Frequency × Wavelength
vibrations that occur per second.
Example 1. A sound travels at a speed of 330 ms −1 .
If we can count the number of the compressions or If its wavelength is 1.5 cm, then calculate the
rarefactions that crosses per unit time, we will get the frequency of sound wave.
frequency of sound wave.
Sol. Given, speed of sound, v = 330 m/s
It is denoted by ν (Greek letter, nu). Its SI unit is
Wavelength, λ = 15
. cm = 0.015 m
hertz (Hz). 1 hertz is equal to 1 vibration per second.
Frequency, ν = ?
1 kHz = 1000 Hz
We know that, v = νλ
v 330
Note The frequency of a wave is fixed and does not change even So, ν= = = 22000 Hz or 22 kHz
when it passes through different substances. λ 0.015

Time Period Range of Hearing

The time taken by two consecutive compressions or The average frequency range over which the human ear is
rarefactions to cross a fixed point is called the time period
of the sound wave. It is denoted by symbol T. Its SI unit is sensitive is called audible range. The audible range of
second (s). The time period of a wave is the reciprocal of sound for human beings is from 20 Hz to 20000 Hz.
its frequency i.e.,
1
Infrasonic Sound
Time period (T ) = The sound of frequencies lower than 20 Hz are known as
Frequency ( ν ) infrasonic sounds or infrasound, which cannot be heard
1 by human beings.
or Frequency ( ν) =
Time period (T ) Ultrasonic Sound
The sounds of frequencies higher than 20000 Hz are
Amplitude called as ultrasonic sounds or ultrasound which cannot be
The maximum displacement of the particles of the heard by human beings. Bats can hear ultrasonic sounds
medium from their original mean positions on passing a having frequencies upto 120000 Hz. Bats, dolphins,
wave through the medium, is called amplitude of the tortoise and rats can also produce ultrasonic sounds as
wave. It is usually denoted by the letter A. Its SI unit is well as hear ultrasonic sound.
metre (m).

Speed Reflection of Sound Waves

The distance travelled by a wave in one second is called Like light, sound can also be made to change its direction
speed of the wave or velocity of the wave. Under the same and bounce back when it falls on a hard surface. This
physical conditions, the speed of sound remains same for bouncing back of sound when it strikes a hard surface is
all frequencies. It is represented by letter v. known as reflection of sound.
Distance travelled It does not require a smooth and shining surface like that
Speed = of mirror, it can be reflected from any surface whether it
Time taken
is smooth or rough. Sound is reflected in the same way as
Its SI unit is metre per second (m/s or ms −1 ). light and follows the same laws of reflection.
 Let d be the distance between the observer and the obstacle
Echo and v be the speed of sound. Then, the total distance
When a person shouts in a big empty hall or near a travelled by the sound to reach the obstacle and then to
hillside, we first hear his original sound, after that we hear come back is 2d and the time taken is given by
the reflected sound of that shout. This reflected sound is Total distance travelled by the sound
echo. So, the phenomena of repetition of sound caused t=
Speed of sound
by reflection of sound waves is called an echo.
2d vt 2d
As the sensation of sound persists in our brain for about = or d = ⇒ v= ms −1
0.1 s. So, to hear a distinct echo, the time interval between v 2 t
the original sound and the reflected one must be atleast
0.1 s. Example 2. A boy is standing in the middle of a big
square field. There is a tall building on one side of the
The speed of sound in air is 344 m/s. So, the distance
field. He explodes a cracker and hears its echo 0.4 s
travelled by the sound in 0.1 s is
later. What is the size of the square field?
= speed × time = 344 × 0.1 (Given, speed of sound in air is 330 m/s)
= 34.4 m Sol. Given, speed of sound in air, v = 330 ms−1
So, echo will be heard, if the minimum distance between Time taken for hearing the echo, t = 0.4 s
the source of sound and the obstacle is As we know, distance travelled by the sound,
34.4 2d = v × t = 330 ms −1 × 0.4 s = 132 m
= m = 17.2 m As in 0.4 s, sound has to travel twice the distance
2 between the boy and the building.
This distance will change with the change in temperature. Hence, the distance between the boy and the building is
Echoes may be heard more than once due to successive d 132
= = = 66 m
multiple reflections. 2 2
Side of the square field
The rolling of thunder is due to successive reflections of
= Twice the distance between the boy and the building
sound from a number of reflecting surfaces, such as
= 2 × 66 m = 132 m
clouds and the land.
So, size of the square field = (side of the square field) 2
Note The persistance of sound in a big hall due to repeated reflections = (132 m)2 = 132 m ×132 m = 17424 m2
from the walls, ceiling and floor of the wall is known as
reverberation. Example 3. If boy fires a gun and hears its echo
after 5s. The boy then moves 310 m towards the hill
Conditions for Formation of Echoes and fires the gun again. This time, he hears the echo
The conditions for formation of echoes are as follows after 3s. Calculate the speed of the sound.
(i) The size of the obstacle/reflector must be large as Sol. Given, time, t1 = 5 s
compared to the wavelength of the incident sound Let d be the distance of the hill from the boy and v be the
(for reflection of sound to take place). velocity of sound which is to be determined.
2d
(ii) The minimum distance between the source of Using the formula, t = .
v
sound and the reflector should be atleast 17 m Substitute the given values, we get
(so that the echo is heard distinctly after the original 2d
⇒ 5=
sound is over). v
(iii) The intensity or loudness of the sound should be 5v
⇒ d= …(i)
sufficient enough, so that the reflected sound can be 2
When the boy moves through a distance 310 m towards
heard clearly. The original sound should be of short the wall, then d ′ = d − 310 and t′ = 3 s.
duration.
2 (d − 310)
⇒ 3=
Determination of Speed of Sound by v
3v
the Method of Echo ⇒ d − 310 = …(ii)
2
The phenomenon of echo can be used to determine the From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
speed of sound in air. v = 310 ms−1
Uses of Echoes Medical Field
Uses of echoes by bats, dolphins, fishermen, medical field and in In the medical field, echoes of the ultrasound is used to
SONAR are given below investigate the internal organs of human body such as
The method used by some animals like bats, tortoises and liver, gall bladder, pancreas, kidneys, uterus, heart, etc.
dolphins to locate the objects by hearing the echoes of These waves can penetrate through the human body and
their ultrasonic squeaks is known as echolocation. They different type of tissues and get reflected in different ways
search out prey and fly in dark night by emitting and from a region, where there is a change of tissue density.
detecting reflections of ultrasonic waves. In this way, ultrasound helps us to investigate internal
organs of human body and to give pictures of these
Bats organs by converting the reflected waves into electrical
Bats emit high frequency or high pitched ultrasonic signals. These pictures or images are then displayed on a
squeaks while flying and listen to the echoes produced by monitor or printed on a film. This technique is called
reflection of their squeaks from the obstacles or prey in ultrasonography. Similarly, ultrasound is also used for
their path. diagnosing heart diseases by scanning the heart from
From the time taken by the echo to be heard, bats can inside. This technique is echocardiography.
determine the distance of the obstacle or prey and can
avoid the obstacle by changing the direction or catch the SONAR
prey. The word SONAR stands for Sound Navigation And
Ranging. It is an apparatus used to find the depth of a sea
However, certain prey’s mother can hear the high frequency
or to locate the under water things like shoals of fish,
ultrasonic squeaks of a bat and can know, where the bat is
shipwrecks, hills, ice bergs, sunken ships, enemy
flying nearby and are able to escape.
submarines, etc. It uses ultrasonic waves to measure the
distance, direction and speed of underwater objects.
SONAR consists of two parts
(i) A transmitter (for emitting ultrasonic waves)
Echo (reflection) (ii) A receiver (for detecting ultrasonic waves), as shown
in figure.
Ultrasonic
Bat Prey
squeak
Ship
Bats can search their prey in the darkness Water
of night by the method of echolocation surface
SONAR

Dolphins Transmitter
Receiver
Reflected
Dolphins uses the same method as used by bats, in order ultrasound
Ultrasound pulse (echo)
to locate the obstacles or prey. They also emit the pulse
Bottom of sea
ultrasonic waves and hear their echoes to detect their (sea bed)
enemy and obstacles or for hunting their prey.

Fishermen or Trawlermen To measure the depth of a sea by using SONAR

Initially, they send ultrasonic waves from a source. These The transmitter produces and transmits ultrasonic waves.
waves are then received and reflected by the fish. These waves travel down the sea-water towards the bottom
After that, the receiver of the fisherman receive the echo of the sea. When these sound pulse strikes the bottom of
and the total time t of the to and fro journey of the wave the sea, then it is reflected back in the form of echo and
is recorded. The distance of fish is then calculated by are sensed by the detector.
vt The detector converts the ultrasonic waves into electrical
using the relation d = . signals which are appropriately interpreted. The distance
2
of the object that reflects the sound wave can be
where, v is speed of ultrasonic waves (near 1400 m/s in calculated by knowing the speed of sound wave in water
water). This helps them to catch the fishes easily. and the time interval between transmission and reception
of the ultrasound.
This will give us the depth of the sea.
Characteristics of Sound
Let the time interval between transmission and reception
of ultrasound signal be t and the speed of sound through A sound has four characteristics such as loudness, pitch,
sea-water be v. quality (or timbre) and intensity by which two sound
waves can be distinguished from one another.
The total distance 2d travelled by the ultrasound is, then
2d = v × t 1. Loudness
This method is called echo-ranging. It is the measure of the sound energy reaching the ear per
Ultrasonic sound waves are used in SONAR, because second. Greater the sound energy reaching our ear per
these waves have very high frequency and very short second, louder the sound will appear to be.
wavelength, due to which they can penetrate into sea-water If the sound waves have a small amplitude, then sound
to a large extent to locate the underwater objects or to will be faint or soft but, if waves have a large amplitude,
determine the depth of the sea. These waves cannot be then the sound will be loud. Also, the amplitude of the
confused with engine noises or other sounds made by the sound waves depends upon the force with which an
ship as they cannot be heard by human beings. object is made to vibrate.
Example 4. Using the SONAR, sound waves are
emitted at the surface of water, which after being
Sound Level in Decibel (dB)
reflected from bottom of water, are detected. If the The unit of loudness is phons and the level of sound is
time interval from the emission to the detection of expressed in decibel (dB). Thus, the loudness of a sound
the sound waves is 4 s. Calculate the depth of the in phons is equivalent the loudness in decibel of an
water. (Take, speed of sound in water is 1450 m/s) equally loud pure sound of frequency 1 kHz. This means,
Sol. Time taken by sound waves to travel from surface to 60 phons is as loud as a 60 dB.
4
bottom, t = = 2s
2 The loudness of the sound wave is proportional
and speed of sound waves, v = 1450 m/s (i) directly to the square of its amplitude (A) 2 .
∴ Depth of water = vt = 1450 × 2 = 2900 m (ii) inversely to the square of the distance from the
Example 5. A submarine produces a ultrasonic source.
waves of velocity 1500 m/s in water. The officer
receives signal after 50s of emission of ultrasonic Factor Affecting the Loudness of Sound
waves. Find the distance of object which is present in Following are the factors affecting the loudness of the sound
the bottom of sea.
(i) Larger is the surface area of the vibrating object,
Sol. Given, velocity of ultrasonic waves in water, v = 1500 m/s
Time taken = 50 s
greater would be the amount of energy transferred.
Distance between object and submarine, s = ? Hence, louder will be the sound heard.
Using the formula, d = v × t (ii) More the density of the medium, louder will be the
Substituting the given values, we get sound heard.
= 1500 × 50 = 75000 m
As, ultrasonic wave travels twice the distance between
(iii) In the presence of resonating body near the
object and submarine, so d = 2 s vibrating object, a louder sound is heard.
75000
As, 2s = 75000 m, s = = 37500 m = 37.5 km
2 2. Intensity
The amount of sound energy passing each second
CHECK POINT 01 through unit area is known as the intensity of sound.
1 Reflection of sound can also takes place at rough surface. Subjective Nature of Loudness and the Objective Nature
Explain, why? of Intensity
2 Calculate the minimum distance in air required between the Loudness and intensity are not the same terms. Loudness
source of sound and obstacle to hear echo. (Take, speed of
is a measure of the response of the ear to the sound. Even
sound in air = 350 ms −1.) Ans. 17.5 m
when two sounds are of equal intensity, we may hear one
3 How do bats use echo to detect prey?
4 How ultrasound is used to investigate the interval organs of
as louder than the other, simply because our ear detects it
human body? in better way. The SI unit of intensity is watt per square
5 Which type of apparatus is used to find the objects in the sea? metre (W /m 2 ) .
The intensity of sound wave in air is proportional to The pleasant sound is said to be of a rich quality. A sound
(i) the square of the amplitude of vibration ( A ) 2 . of single frequency is called a tone.
The sound produced due to a mixture of several
(ii) the square of the frequency of vibration ( ν) 2 . frequencies is called a note and is pleasant in listening too.
(iii) the density of air. The sound produced by different musical instruments
Hence, it can be said that for a sound wave loudness has a like flute, violin, sitar, tanpura, etc., and similarly, sound
subjective as it depends on the listener, whereas intensity produced by different singers, can be distinguished from
one another on the basis of their quality.
has an objective nature as it a measurable quantity.
The quality of musical instrument depends on
3. Pitch (or Shrillness) and Frequency (i) the shape of the sound wave produced as shown
Pitch is that characteristic of sound by which we can in figure.
distinguish between different sounds of the same
loudness. Due to this characteristic, we can distinguish
between a man’s voice and woman’s voice of the same (a) Shape of sound waves (b) Shape of sound waves
loudness without seeing them. produced by a note when the same note is
played on flute played on violin
Pitch of a sound depends on the frequency of vibration.
Greater the frequency of a sound, the higher will be its (ii) mixture of frequencies present.
pitch.
5. Noise and Music
In other words, the faster the vibration of the source, the
All types of sounds which produces sensation of hearing
higher is the frequency and hence higher is the pitch.
are of two types basically
Objects of different sizes and conditions vibrates at different
(i) music (ii) noise
frequencies to produce sounds of different pitches.
Figure given below shows wave shape for low and high pitched Differences between Musical Sound and Noise
sound Musical Sound Noise
Wave disturbance It is a sound which produces a It is a sound which produces an
pleasing effect on the listener. unpleasing effect on the listener.
It’s waveform is periodic and It’s waveform is irregular or
Time regular with no abrupt change in haphazed with sudden change in
amplitude. its amplitude.
Wave shape for a low pitched sound
e.g., Any musical instrument. e.g., Traffic on the road.
Wave disturbance Music Noise

Time

Wave shape for a high pitched sound Noise Pollution

The disturbance caused in the environment due to
Example 6. Two waves of the same pitch have their
undesirable loud and harsh sound of level above 120 dB
amplitude in the ratio 2 : 3.
(i) What will be the ratio of their loudness?
from different sources such as loudspeaker, siren,
(ii) What will be the ratio of their frequencies?
moving vehicles, etc., is known as noise pollution. It
Sol. (i ) As, loudness ∝ (amplitude) 2
causes headache and permanent damage to the ears of
2 listener.
∴ Its ratio   becomes ⋅
2 4
 3 9
(ii ) The ratio of frequencies is 1 : 1, as pitch depends upon Free (or Natural), Forced
the frequency. and Damped Vibrations
4. Quality and Waveforms Free Vibrations
The quality (or timbre) of sound is that characteristic of If a body vibrates with its natural frequency without the
sound which enables us to distinguish one sound from help of any external periodic forces, then it is said to be
another having the same pitch and loudness. natural (or free) vibrations.
The amplitude and frequency of a freely vibrating body Damped Vibrations
remains constant with respect to time. In ideal condition, The periodic vibrations of a body of decreasing amplitude
once a body starts vibrating, if continues its vibrations in presence of some resistive force are called the damped
with the same amplitude and frequency forever. vibrations.
Some examples of natural vibrations are given below The displacement-time graph for the damped vibrations is
(i) If a tuning fork is struck against a hard rubber pad, shown in the figure given below.
then it vibrates with its natural frequency. +A

(ii) A free suspended pendulum vibrating about its

mean position.

Displacement
(iii) A metal blade clamped at one end is gently
disturbed. The blade is then vibrates with its natural Time (t)
frequency about the mean position.
(iv) Strings of various musical instruments on being –A

plucked vibrates about the mean position with its Displacement-time graph for damped vibrations
natural frequency. The amplitude/displacement decreases exponentially with
time.
Forced Vibrations
When a body vibrates under the influence of an external Some examples of a damped vibrations are given below
periodic force with a frequency equal to that of the (i) Vibrations of a tuning in air.
external periodic force, then its vibrations are called (ii) Vibrations of stringed instrument in air.
forced vibrations. (iii) Vibrations of a simple pendulum in air.
Some examples of forced vibrations are given below Differences between the Free and Damped Vibrations
(i) The vibrations produced in the diaphragm of a Free Vibrations Damped Vibrations
microphones sound box with frequencies The amplitude of free vibrations The amplitude of damped
corresponding to the speech of the speaker are the is constant and theoretically the vibrations gradually decreases
forced vibrations. vibrations continues forever. with respect to time and in the
end, the vibrations ceases.
(ii) While playing a guitar, the artist forces the strings of
There is no loss of energy. In each vibrations, there is some
the guitar to execute forced vibrations. loss of energy.
(iii) Swing pushed at regular intervals. The vibrations are only under the The opposing force e.g., Friction,
restoring force and hence no etc., acts in the direction opposite
Differences between the Free and Forced Vibrations external force acts on the to the direction of vibrations.
vibrating body.
Free Vibrations Forced Vibrations
The frequency of vibrations The frequency of vibrations
The vibrations of a body in the The vibrations of a body in the remains constant and is unaltered becomes less than the natural
absence of any resistive forces are presence of external periodic and is equal to the natural frequency.
called free vibrations. forces are called forced vibrations. frequency.
The frequency of the vibrations The frequency of the forced
depends on the shape and size of vibrations is equal to the Resonance
the body. frequency of the applied external
force. It is a special case of forced vibrations. When the
frequency of an externally applied periodic force on a
The frequency of vibrations is The frequency of forced
body is equal to its natural frequency, then the body
always a constant quantity. vibrations changes with the
change in frequency of applied readily begins to vibrate with an increased amplitude.
force. This phenomenon is known as resonance. The vibrations
The amplitude of vibrations does The amplitude of forced
of large amplitude are called the resonant vibrations e.g.,
not change with respect to time. vibrations is very small, if the (i) Sympathetic vibrations of pendulums.
frequency of applied force differs (ii) Resonance in radio and TV receiver.
widely from the natural frequency
of the body.
(iii) Resonance in bridge.
(iv) Frequency heard by tuning fork due to resonance
with air.
Example 7. A vibrating tuning fork is placed over the
mouth of a burette filled with water. The top of the CHECK POINT 02
burette is opened and the water level gradually starts 1 Is the loudness of sound depends on the amplitude of
falling. It is found that the sound from the tuning fork vibrations of the source? Explain, why?
becomes very loud for a particular length of the water
2 Define decibel and on what factor does it depend?
column. [2013]
3 If the amplitude of a wave is doubled, then what will be the
(i) Name the phenomenon taking place when this effect on its loudness?
happens.
4 Low pitch sound has low frequency and high pitch of sound
(ii) Why does the sound become very loud for this length
has high frequency. Explain, why?
of the water column?
Sol. (i) In the above process, the phenomenon taking place is 5 What is range of sound above which noise pollution take
place?
resonance.
(ii) The sound becomes very loud for this length of the 6 What is the difference between free vibration and damped
water column, because the frequency of the air column vibration on the basis of amplitude?
becomes equal to the frequency of the tuning fork 7 How does the free vibration depend on the frequency?
i.e., fa = fν
8 Name one factor which affects the frequency of sound emitted
where, fν = frequency of tuning fork due to vibrations in an air column.
and fa = frequency of air column.

SUMMARY
¢
Sound is produced by vibrating objects.
¢
The bouncing back of sound when it strikes a hard surface is known as reflection of sound.
¢
The repitition of sound caused by reflection of sound waves is called an echo.
¢
The minimum distance between the source of sound and the reflector should be atleast 17 m (so that the echo is heard distinctly after
the original sound is over).
¢
Some animals like bats, dolphins, etc., locate their prey by hearing the echoes of their ultrasonic squeaks.
¢
In the medical field, echoes of the ultrasound is used to investigate the internal organs of human body such as liver, gall bladder, heart,
etc.
¢
SONAR stands for sound navigation and ranging.
¢
SONAR is an apparatus used to find the depth of a sea or to locate the under water things like shoals of fish, shipwrecks, hills, ice bergs,
sunken ships and enemy submarines, etc.
¢
SONAR consists of two parts (i) a transmitter and (ii) a receiver.
¢
The transmitter produces and transmits ultrasonic waves.
¢
The detector converts the ultrasonic waves into electrical signals.
¢
The measure of a sound energy reaching the ear per second is known as loudness.
¢
The loudness of a sound is measured in decibel (dB). It depends on the sensitivity or the response of our ears.
¢
The amount of sound energy passing each second through unit area is known as the intensity of sound.
¢
The SI unit of intensity is watt per square metre (W/m 2).
¢
Pitch is that characteristic of sound by which we can distinguish between the different sounds of the same loudness.
¢
The quality (or timbre) of sound is that characteristic of sound which enables us to distinguish one sound from another having the same
pitch and loudness.
¢
Vibration means a kind of rapid to and fro motion of an object. When an object vibrates, it sets the particles of medium around it in
vibration.
¢
If a body vibrates with its natural frequency without the help of any external periodic forces, then it is said to be natural (or free)
vibrations.
¢
The amplitude and frequency of a freely vibrating body remains constant with respect to time.
¢
When a body vibrates under the influence of an external periodic force with a frequency equal to that of the external periodic force,
then its vibrations are called forced vibrations.
¢
The periodic vibrations of a body of decreasing amplitude in presence of some resistive force are called the damped vibrations.
¢
When the frequency of an externally applied periodic force on a body is equal to its natural frequency, then the body readily begins to
vibrate with an increased amplitude, this is known as resonance.
All in one Sound 131

EXAM PRACTICE
a 2 Marks Questions Sol. No, it is not possible for the girl to hear the echo of
this sound, because the distance between girl and
1. Explain why, echoes cannot be heard in a small obstacle (building) is only 6 m approx but echo is
room? heard only, if the minimum distance between the
observer at the source of sound and the obstacle
Sol. For hearing echo, there should be atleast a distance of
is 11.3 m.
17 m between source of sound and body from which
sound is reflected. Since, in small rooms, distance is Building
Cracker
~6
~
usually less than 17 m, hence echoes cannot be heard. [2] m Road
12 m
G
2. A student went to a hill station early in
the morning, he could hear the echo of his clap 12 m [2]
after 0.1 s.
6. Mention two practical uses of echo.
When he went to the same place in the afternoon
Sol. Two practical uses of echo are
he could not hear the echo at all, then explain the
reason for his changed observation. (i) The method of echolocation, in which some
animals like bats, tortoises and dolphins to locate
Sol. There is a rise in temperature in the afternoon, so the
the object by hearing the echoes of their ultrasonic
speed of sound increases with increase in temperature.
squeaks. [1]
As speed increases, time taken by reflected sound will be
less, may be less than 0.1 s in afternoon. That is why the (ii) In the medical field, echoes of the ultrasound is
student could not hear the echo at all in the afternoon. [2] used to investigate the internal organs of human
body such as liver, gall bladder, pancreas, kidneys,
3. State the conditions required to hear an echo. etc. [1]
Sol. The conditions to hear an echo are
7. What is a SONAR? For what it is used?
(i) The time interval between source sound and
reflected sound must be atleast 0.1 s. [1]
Sol. Full form of SONAR is Sound Navigation And
Ranging. It is used to measure depth of sea and ocean
(ii) The minimum distance between the obstacle and or to locate under water things i.e., shoals of fish
source of sound should be atleast 17.2 m. [1] shipwrecks and enemy submarines.
4. When can we distinctly hear the echo of a sharp It uses ultrasonic waves to measure the distance,
sound? Why cannot we hear an echo in a small direction and speed of under water objects. [1+1]
hall? 8. Can SONAR be used to determine the depth of a
Sol. As we know that, to listen echo for a sound wave sea? Draw a well labelled diagram showing the
whose speed in air is 344 ms −1 and persistance of procedure.
sound is 0.1 s, a minimum distance of 17.2 m between
Sol. Yes, SONAR technique can be used to determine the
observer and reflecting surface is required. As the
depth of the sea. [1]
condition of minimum distance between the source
and reflecting surface is not satisfied, so in a small hall Boat (or ship)
we do not hear echoes. [2]
Water surface
5. A girl is sitting in the middle of a park of
dimension12 m × 12 m. On the left side of it
there is a building adjoining the park and on Detector
right side of the park, there is a road adjoining Transmitter
the park.
Seabed
A sound is produced on the road by a cracker. Is
it possible for the girl to hear the echo of this
sound? Explain your answer.
[1]
 9. Distinguish between loudness and intensity of 13. Fig. (A) shows a trace of a sound wave which is
sound. produced by a particular tuning fork.
Sol. Difference between loudness and intensity
Loudness Intensity
It is a subjective quantity. It is an objective physical
A sound may be loud for quantity which does not change
one person but may be for person to person.
feeble for another person.
Fig. (A)
It cannot be measured as It can be measured as a physical
it is just a sensation which quantity. (i) Draw a trace of the sound wave which has a
can be felt only. higher pitch than that shown in Fig. A.
Loudness of sound is Intensity of sound is measured (ii) Draw a trace of the sound wave which louder
measured in the unit of in the unit of watt per square than that shown in Fig. A.
decibel (dB). metre (W /m 2 ).
It depends on the It does not depend on the
sensitivity of ears. sensitivity of ears. Sol. (i) (ii)
[2]
[3]
10. What is meant by intensity of sound? How is it
different from loudness? 14. How does the change in frequency and
Sol. Intensity of Sound It is the amount of sound energy amplitude affect a musical sound?
passing each second through unit area. [1] Sol. For a musical sound
Loudness is a measure of the response of the ear to the (i) increase in frequency means increase in its pitch.
sound. Even when two sounds are of equal intensity, we (ii) increase in its amplitude means increase in intensity
may hear one as louder than the other, as our ear detects it or loudness. [2]
better. Therefore, loudness depends both on the intensity
of sound and the response of the ear to that sound. [1] 15. The ratio of amplitude of two waves is 3 : 4.
11. Compare the following in Figs. (a) and (b) and name What is the ratio of their
them. (i) loudness (ii) frequencies?
Sol. (i) Ratio of loudness will be 9 : 16 as loudness depends
Time Time
upon intensity which is directly proportional to the
Pressure
Pressure

square of amplitude. [1]

(ii) Ratio of frequencies will be 1 : 1 as frequency
Period Period
(a)
remains same for the two waves. [1]
Wave Wave
disturbance disturbance 16. (i) Why is the ratio of the velocities of light of
wavelengths 4000 Å and 8000 Å in vacuum 1 : 1?
Time Time
(ii) Which of the above wavelengths has a higher
frequency? [2018]
(b)
Sol. In the Fig. (a), there is a sound wave with same Sol. (i) The speed of light in vacuum is always
amplitude but different frequencies. First one high constant (3 × 10 8 m / s) and it does not depends on
pitched, second graph low pitched. [1] wavelength or frequency. [1]
In the Fig. (b), there is a soft sound wave and a loud (ii) As we know that, v = nλ
sound wave of same frequencies, because number of v 1
waves are same in both graphs but has different n= ⇒n∝
λ λ
amplitude. [1]
where, n = frequency,
12. Which wave property determines v = velocity and λ = wavelength.
(i) loudness (ii) pitch? Therefore, frequency is inversely proportional to
Sol. (i) Loudness of wave is determined by its amplitude. [1] wavelength, therefore wavelength of 4000Å will
(ii) Pitch of the wave is determined by its frequency. [1] have more frequency. [1]
17. Name the subjective property of sound related to This means, frequency is inversely proportional to
its frequency and of light related to its wavelength. the length of the string and directly proportional to
Sol. Property of sound related to frequency is pitch and its tension. [1]
property of light related to its wavelength is colour. [2] 22. State two ways by which the frequency of
18. What is meant by noise pollution? Name one transverse vibrations of a stretched string can be
source of sound causing noise pollution. [2016] decreased. [2016]

Sol. Noise pollution is the disturbance or unpleasant sound Sol. The two ways by which the frequency of transverse
that may harm the activity or balance of human or vibrations of a stretched string can be decreased are
animal life. [1] (i) by increasing the length (l), when tension (T) and
The noise pollution is mainly caused by machines, mass (m) are kept constant. [1]
transportation system, etc. [1] (ii) by decreasing the tension (T ), when length (l ) and
19. Will the sound be audible, if the string is set into mass (m) are kept constant. [1]
vibration on the surface of the moon? Give
23. (i) What do you understand by the free vibrations of
reason.
a body?
Sol. No, we will not hear any audible sound on the surface
(ii) Why does the amplitude of a vibrating body
because sound needs a medium to propagate. Moon
continuously decrease during damped vibrations?
has no atmosphere, so sound will not be heard. [2]
[2018]
20. Displacement-distance graph of two sound waves Sol. (i) Free vibration are the periodic vibrations of a body
A and B, travelling in a medium are as shown in in the absence of any external force on it. [1]
the diagram below. (ii) A body continuously losses its energy due to the
Displacement (cm)
presence of frictional force by the surrounding
medium in damped oscillations, therefore
20 A amplitude of body continuously decreases. [1]
B
10 24. (i) Three musical instrument give out notes at the
(0,0) Distance (cm) frequencies listed below.
–10
Flute 400 Hz, Guitar 200 Hz, Trumpet 500 Hz.
Which one of these has the highest pitch?
–20
(ii) With which of the following frequencies does a
Study the two sound waves and compare their tuning fork of 256 Hz resonate?
(i) Amplitudes (ii) Wavelengths [2018] 288 Hz, 341 Hz, 333 Hz, 512 Hz
Sol. (i) Amplitude of sound wave, A = 20 cm Sol. (i) Trumpet having highest frequency of 500 Hz have
highest pitch, because pitch is directly proportional
Amplitude of sound wave, B =10 cm
to the frequency. [1]
∴ Amplitude of sound wave A is twice than that of
sound wave B. [1] (ii) The frequency 512 Hz will resonate a tuning fork
of 256 Hz as 512 Hz is an integral multiple of the
(ii) From the graph, it can be seen that wavelength of
sound wave A is half of the wavelength of sound natural frequency of the tuning fork. [1]
wave B. [1] 25. Explain, why stringed musical instruments like
21. How is the frequency of a stretched string the guitar, are provided with a hollow box.
related to Sol. The musical instrument like guitar is provide with a
(i) its length (ii) its tension? [2017] hollow box, because vibrating strings of the instrument
Sol. (i) Frequency of stretched string related with its length as produce a very weak sound which cannot be heard.
1 Hence, they are provided with a sound box. This box is
ν∝ a hollow chamber and is so constructed that the
length [1]
column of air inside it has a natural frequency which is
(ii) Frequency of stretched string is related to tension in same as that of the string stretched on it. Hence, due to
string as ν ∝ tension resonance, helps in producing a loud sound. [2]
 Sol. The time taken by echo to be heard,
b 3 Marks Questions 2d
t=
26. Does sound follow the same laws of reflection as v [1]
where, d = distance between the reflecting surface and
light does? Explain.
source of sound and v = speed of sound in air. [1]
Sol. Yes, sound wave follows the same laws as in case of laws As we know that speed of sound increases with increase
of reflection of light. in temperature, so on a hotter day, speed of sound will
A
Incident wave be higher, so the time after which echo is heard will
Ang
le o Reflecting surface
decrease.
f in
cid
enc O
If time taken by the reflected sound is less than 0.1 s
e i
(N) Normal after the production of original sound, then echo is not
r
ecti on heard. [1]
of refl
Angle
30. (i) Name the waves used for echo depth sounding.
Reflected wave
B [1] (ii) Give one reason for their use for the above
The laws of reflection of sound are as follows purpose.
(i) The incident sound wave (AO), the reflected sound (iii) Why are the waves mentioned by you not audible
wave (OB) and the normal (ON) at the point of to us? [2016]
incidence, all lie in the same plane. [1] Sol. (i) Ultrasonic waves are used for echo depth sounding. [1]
(ii) The angle of incidence (∠AON) of sound is equal (ii) These waves can be confined into a narrow beam
to the angle of reflection (∠NOB) of sound. [1] and are not easily absorbed in the medium and can
travel a long distance. [1]
27. (i) What is an echo?
(iii) The frequency of ultrasonic waves is above 20000 Hz
(ii) State two conditions for an echo to take place. which is beyond the audibility range of human. [1]
[2016]
Sol. (i) Echo is the sound heard after it gets reflected from 31. How is it that, bats are able to fly at night
a rigid surface. [1] without colliding with other objects?
(ii) Two conditions for an echo to take place are given below Sol. Bats search out prey and fly at night by emitting and
(a) There should be a minimum distance of 17.2 m detecting reflections of ultrasonic waves. [1]
between the listener and the reflecting body. [1] They emit high frequency ultrasonic squeaks while
flying and listen to the echoes produced by reflection
(b) Reflecting body should be as big as compared to of their squeaks from the obstacle, prey or object in
the wavelength of sound. [1] their path. From the time taken by the echo to be
28. (i) What is meant by an echo? Mention one heard, bats can determine the distance of the object
important condition i.e., necessary for an echo to and can avoid the object by changing the direction
be heard distinctly. without colliding with it. [2]
(ii) Mention one important use of echo. [2008] 32. Name the factor that determines
Sol. (i) Echo The sound heard after reflection from a (i) loudness of the sound heard
distant obstacle after the original sound is ceased is (ii) quality of the note
known as echo. To hear echo distinctly, the (iii) pitch of the note [2017]
reflecting surface in air should be at a minimum Sol. (i) Loudness-amplitude [1]
distance of 17 m from the listener. [2] (ii) Quality (or timbre) nature of wave form [1]
(ii) In the medical field, echoes of the ultrasound is (iii) Pitch of note-frequency [1]
used to investigate the internal organs of human
body such as liver, gall bladder, pancreas, kidneys, 33. (i) Name the characteristic of sound which enables a
uterus, heart, etc. [1]
person to differentiate between two sounds with
equal loudness but having different frequencies.
29. When a sound is reflected from a distant object, (ii) Define the characteristic named by you in (i ) .
an echo is produced. Let the distance between the (iii) Name the characteristic of sound which enables a
reflecting surface and the source of sound person to differentiate between two sounds of the
production remains the same. Do you hear echo same loudness and frequency but produced by
sound on a hotter day? different instruments.
Sol. (i) Pitch or shrillness is that characteristic of sound (b) Timbre depends upon
which enables a person to differentiate between two 1. waveform of sound 2. frequency
sounds with equal loudness but having different
3. resonance and sound pressure. [1]
frequencies. [1]
(ii) A trawlerman sends ultrasonic waves in deep water,
(ii) Pitch is that characteristic of sound by which an
which on striking the shoal of fish, return back to
acute (or shrill) note can be distinguished from a
him. He notes the time t taken by the waves in
grave or flat note. [1]
going and coming back, then he calculates the
(iii) Quality is that characteristic of sound which depth of water d by using the relation
enables a person to differentiate between two vt
sounds of the same loudness and frequency but d =
2
produced by different instruments. [1]
where, v is the velocity of ultrasonic waves in water.
34. What is meant by loudness of sound? State the
This helps them to catch the fishes easily. [1]
factor on which it depends. Draw figures to
illustrate 37. Distinguish between the terms
(i) soft sound and (ii) loud sound. (i) music and noise (ii) tone and note.
Sol. Loudness Refer to theory (Page 127). [1] Sol. (i) Music The sound which is pleasant to the ears, is
(i) Wave disturbance called music. It is produced by regular periodic
vibrations. There is no sudden change in its
amplitude.
Time
e.g., Sound produced from a tabla. [1]

Soft sound [1] Noise The sound which is unpleasant to the ears, is
called noise. It is produced at an irregular intervals.
(ii) Wave disturbance
There is sudden change in its amplitude.
e.g., Sound produced in a market and the sound
produced by an explosion. [1]
Time (ii) Tone The sound of single frequency is called a tone.
[1/2]
Loud sound [1] Note The sound which is a mixture of several
frequencies is called a note. [1/2]
35. A nail was gently touched by the hammer and
38. (i) What are damped vibrations?
then was hit harder.
(i) When will be the sound created louder? (ii) Give one example of damped vibration.
(ii) Which characteristic of sound here is responsible (iii) Name the phenomenon that causes a loud sound
for change in sound? when the stem of a vibrating tuning fork is kept
pressed on the surface of a table. [2017]
(iii) Give the SI unit of loudness.
Sol. (i) The periodic vibrations of body of decreasing
Sol. (i) Sound will be produced when we beat hammer
hard on the nails. [1] amplitude in presence of resistive force are called the
damped vibrations. The displacement-time graph for
(ii) Amplitude of vibrating body is responsible for
change in sound. [1] the damped vibrations shown in the diagram below.
+A
(iii) The SI unit of loudness is decibel (dB). [1]

36. (i) What are the factors on which the following

Displacement

characteristics of a musical note depend?

(a) Intensity
Time (t)
(b) Timbre
(ii) How does a trawlerman catch fish in deep water? –A
Sol. (i) Factors on which the given characteristics of musical
note depends are The amplitude, displacement decreases exponentially with time [1]

(a) Intensity depends upon (ii) Simple pendulum’s oscillation. [1]

1. frequency 2. amplitude. [1] (iii) Resonance Refer to theory (Page 129). [1]
39. (i) What is meant by resonance? present on the wire flies off when the stem of
(ii) State two ways in which resonance differs from vibrating tuning fork B is touched to the wooden
forced vibrations. box but the paper just vibrates when the stem of
Sol. (i) The phenomenon in which body vibrates under the vibrating tuning fork A is touched to the wooden
influence of periodic force, where frequency of the box.
applied periodic force is equal to the natural (i) Name the phenomenon when the paper rider just
frequency of the vibrating body. Then, the body vibrates.
begins to vibrate with increased amplitude. [1] (ii) Name the phenomenon when the paper rider flies
(ii) The two ways in which resonance differs from forced off.
vibrations are as (iii) Why does the paper rider fly off when the stem of
tuning fork B is touched to the box? [2018]
Resonance Forced Vibrations
Sol. (i) Forced vibration [1]
This is the phenomenon of In this, a body (A) is set
setting a body (A) into into vibrations under the
(ii) Resonance [1]
vibrations with the help of influence of periodic force (iii) The paper rider flies off because the natural
another body (B), where of body (B). Frequency of frequency of vibration of wire matches the frequency
frequency of (B) is equal to vibrations of body (B) is of the tuning fork. This results in increase in
the natural frequency of (A). different from the natural
magnitude of amplitude of vibrations. [1]
frequency of the body (A).
Vibrations are of larger Vibrations are of smaller 42. A rear view mirror of motorbike starts vibrating
amplitude. amplitude. violently at some particular speed of motorbike.
[1 × 2] (i) Why does this happen?
(ii) What is the name of the phenomenon taking
40. (i) Sound made in front of a tall building 18 m away, place?
is repeated. Name the phenomenon and briefly (iii) What could be done to stop the violent
explain it. vibrations?
(ii) A tuning fork, held over an air column of a given Sol. (i) This happens when the frequency with which
length, produces a distinct audible sound. What piston of the engine is vibrating becomes equal to
do you call this phenomenon? How does it occur? the natural frequency with which the body of the
Sol. (i) As, we know the minimum distance between source motorbike is vibrating. [1]
and reflector is 17 m and here the distance is 18 m, (ii) The phenomenon is resonance. [1]
so the phenomenon due to which sound is repeated
is echo. Basically, the phenomenon of repetition of (iii) The speed of the vehicle should be changed in
sound caused by reflection of sound waves is called order to control this types of violent vibrations. [1]
an echo. [1½]
(ii) We call the phenomenon as resonance. This occurs
c 4 Marks Questions
when the frequency of forced vibrations produced
by the tuning fork becomes equal to the natural 43. The adjacent diagram shows three different modes
frequency of the air column. [1½] of vibrations P, Q and R of the same string.
(i ) Which vibrations will produce a P
41. louder sound and why? Q
Sonometer
(ii) The sound of which string will
R
Wooden Paper rider have maximum shrillness?
box (iii ) State the ratio of wavelengths of
10 kg Tuning Tuning P and R . [2014]
Fork A Fork B Sol. (i) The mode of vibration R will produce a louder
The diagram above shows a wire stretched over a sound, because its amplitude is more than that of P
and Q. [1]
sonometer. Stems of two vibrating tuning forks A
and B are touched to the wooden box of the (ii) The sound of P string will have maximum
sonometer. It is observed that the paper rider shrillness because its frequency is more than that of
R and Q. [1]
(a small piece of paper folded at the centre)
 (iii) Frequency, f P = 3 f , frequency, f R = f 46. (i) Name the phenomenon involved in tuning a
ν radio set to a particular station.
As, λ= [1]
f (ii) Define the phenomenon named by you in part (i)
∴ The ratio of wavelengths of P and R is given by above.
(iii) What do you understand by loudness of sound?
λ P ν/ f P f f 1
= = R = = (iv) In which units is the loudness of sound measured?
λ R ν/ f R fP 3 f 3 [1] [2016]
Sol. (i) Resonance is the phenomenon involved in tuning a
44. The diagram below shows the displacement-time
radio set to a particular station. [1]
graph for a vibrating body.
+A (ii) Resonance is the phenomenon in which vibration
takes place under the influence of periodic force,
where frequency of the applied force is equal to the
Displacement

natural frequency of the vibrating body. [1]

Time (t)
(iii) Loudness is the sensation produced in the ear
which enables to distinguish between a loud and a
–A faint sound. [1]
(i) Name the type of vibrations produced by the (vi) Loudness of sound is measured in units called
vibrating body. decibels (dB). [1]
(ii) Give one example of a body producing such
vibrations. Numerical Based Questions
(iii) Why is the amplitude of the wave gradually 47. For hearing the loudest ticking sound heard by the
decreasing? ear, find the angle x in the given figure.
(iv) What will happen to the vibrations of the body
Wall
after sometime?
Sol. (i) Damped vibrations are produced by the 50° Table
Clock x
vibrating body. [1] Ear
Normal
(ii) A simple pendulum oscillating in air, tuning fork
vibrating in air are examples of a body producing
such vibrations. [1]
Firstly, we use the law of reflection i.e., angle of
(iii) The amplitude of the wave gradually decreasing, incidence = angle of reflection and use the property
because of friction due to which energy is decreased
of linear pair axiom, then find the value of x.
continuously. [1]
Sol. We know that in laws of reflection, the angle of incidence
(iv) As its amplitude decreases, so the vibrations of the
( x ) is always equal to the angle of reflection ( x ).
body finally stops. [1]
Since, AOB is a straight line.
45. (i) Give one example each of natural vibration, ∴ ∠AOB = 180°
forced vibration and resonance.
∴ 50° + x + x + 50° = 180°
(ii) Mention one practical use of echoes.
O
Sol. (i) For Natural Vibration A tuning fork struck against A B
50° 50°
a hard rubber pad. [1] x x
For Forced Vibration Vibration produced in the
board of a guitar when its string is made to vibrate. [1]
For Resonance While tuning a wireless receiver, we (Q sum of all angles lies on the same side
adjust its natural frequency equal to that of the of a line is 180°)
incoming wireless carries waves, so that a loud 2 x + 100° = 180°
sound of incoming signal is heard. [1]
⇒ 2 x = 180° − 100° ⇒ 2 x = 80°
(ii) In medical field, echoes of the ultrasound is used to 80°
investigate the internal organs of human body such ⇒ x= ⇒ x = 40°
as liver, gall bladder, uterus, etc. [1] 2
Hence, the value of x is 40°. [3]
48. An observer stands at a distance of 850 m from a Distance travelled by the ultrasonic waves during
cliff and fires a gun. After what time gap will he d = 1.5 s, velocity, v =1400 m/s
hear the echo, if sound travels at a speed of ∴ 2d = v × t
350 ms −1 in air? = 1400 × 1.5 = 2100 m [1]
Sol. Given, distance between sound source As the depth of the sea will be given by
and cliff, d =850 m d 2100
= = = 1050 m
Total distance travelled by the sound = 2d [1] 2 2 [1]
Speed, v = 350 m/s 53. A boy stands 60 m in front of a fall wall and
Time, t = ? claps. The body continues to clap every time an
2d 2 d 2 × 850 echo is heard. Another boy finds that the time
∴ v= ⇒ t= = = 4.86s
t v 350 [1] taken between the first and forty-first clap is 16 s.
49. A ship on the surface of water sends a signal and Calculate the speed of sound.
receives it back after 4s from a submarine inside Sol. Distance of boy from the wall, d = 60 m
the water. Calculate the distance of the Total distance travelled by the sound
submarine from the ship. (Take, the speed of = 2 d = 2 × 60 = 120 m
sound in water is 1450 ms −1.) Time interval between first and forty-first clap =16 s
Sol. Given, time, t = 4s, v =1450 m/s 16
∴ Time interval between two successive claps = s.
For an echo, total distance = 2d [1] 40
v × t 1450 × 4 2d 120
∴ 2d =v ×t ⇒ d = = = 2900 m [1] ∴ Speed of sound, v = = = 300 m/s
2 2 t (16 / 40) [2]

50. Aditi clapped her hands near a cliff and heard the 54. A man standing 25 m away from a wall produces
echo after 4 s. What is the distance of the cliff a sound and receives the reflected sound.
from her, if the speed of sound is taken as (i) Calculate the time after which he receives the
346 ms −1? reflected sound, if the speed of sound in air
Sol. Given, speed of sound, v = 346 ms −1 is 350 ms −1 .
Time taken for hearing the echo, t = 4 s (ii) Will the man be able to hear a distinct echo? Give
∴ Distance travelled by the sound = v × t a reason for your answer. [2011]
= 346 × 4 = 1384 m [1] Sol. Given, distance between man and wall, d =25 m
In 4 s, sound has to travel twice the distance between (i) Velocity of sound, v = 350 m/s, t = ?
the cliff and Aditi. Therefore, the distance between the 2d
1384 ∴ v=
cliff and Aditi is = 692 m. [1] t
2 2 d 2 × 25
⇒ t= = = 0.14 s [1]
51. On a cloudy day, a thunder sound was heard 14s v 350
after the flash of lighting. How far was the cloud? (ii) Yes, the man will be able to hear a distinct echo,
(Take, the speed of sound is 340 ms −1) because the least time for distinct echo to be heard
Sol. Given, speed of sound, v = 340 ms −1 is 0.1 s as
2d 0.14 s > 0.1 s
Time taken by thunder to be heard, t = = 14 s
v As the distance travelled by the sound wave is twice
2d = v × t = 340 × 14 = 4760 m the distance between man and wall, so take distance
4760
∴ d = = 2380 m as 2d . [1]
2
Therefore, the distance of the cloud is 2380m. [2] 55. The human ear can detect continuous sounds in
the frequency range from 20 Hz to 20000 Hz.
52. An ultrasonic wave is sent from a ship towards
Assuming that the speed of sound in air is
the bottom of the sea. It is found that the time
interval between the sending and the receiving of 330 ms −1 for all frequencies, calculate the
the wave is 1.5 s. Calculate the depth of the sea, wavelengths corresponding to the given extreme
if the velocity of sound in sea water is 1400 ms −1. frequencies of the audible range. [2017]
Sol. Given, time interval, t =1.5 s
Sol. Applying the formula, v = λ × ν Distance of man from farther cliff,
where, v = speed of sound = 330 ms −1 v a × t 2 330 × 4
d2 = = = 660 m
ν = frequency and λ = wavelength of sound. 2 2
We have range of frequencies from 20 Hz-20000 Hz. Total distance between two cliffs,
Hence, for frequency ν = 20 Hz, we have d = d 1 + d 2 = 495 + 660 =1155 m [1]
330
330 = λ × 20 ⇒ λ = = 165
. m 58. (i) A man stands at a distance of 68 m from a cliff and
20 [1] fires a gun. After what time interval will he hear
For frequency ν = 20000 Hz, we have the echo, if the speed of sound in air is 340 ms −1 ?
330
330 = λ × 20000 ⇒ λ = . × 10 −3 m
= 165 (ii) If the man had been standing at a distance of
20000 [1] 12 m from the cliff, then would he have heard a
56. A sound made on the surface of a lake takes 3 s to clear echo? [2010]

reach a boatman. How much time will it take to Sol. (i) Given, distance between man and cliff, d = 68 m
reach a diver inside the water at the same depth? Total distance travelled by the sound = 2d
(Take, velocity of sound in air = 300 ms −1 and Velocity of sound, v = 340 m/s and time, t = ?
velocity of sound in water = 1440 ms −1) 2 d 2 × 68
∴ t= = = 0.4s [1½]
Sol. First calculate the distance between boatman and v 340
source, then by using this, calculate the time taken to (ii) No, he has not heard a clear echo, because to hear a
reach the sound to the diver. [1] clear echo distinctly, the reflecting surface in air
Given, time of sound to reach at boatman, t = 3 s should be at a minimum distance of 17 m from the
Velocity of sound in air, v a = 300 m/s listener. [1½]
Velocity of sound in water, vw =1440 m/s 59. A boy standing in front of a wall at a distance of
Time taken by diver, t d = ? 85 m produces 2 claps per second. He notices
Depth of lake, d l = v a × t (as given in question) that the sound of his clapping coincides with the
= 300 × 3 = 900 m echo. The echo is heard only once when clapping
Time taken by sound in water to reach a diver, is stopped. Calculate the speed of sound.
d 900
tw = l = = 0.625s Sol. Let d be the distance of wall from the boy.
vw 1440 [1] Given, d = 85 m
To hear the echo, sound has to travel a total distance
57. A man standing between two cliffs produces a = 2 d = 2 × 85 = 170 m [1]
sound and hears two successive echoes at intervals Since, 2 claps are produced in one second, therefore
of 3 s and 4 s, respectively. Calculate the distance 1
each clap is produced after s which is equal to the
between the two cliffs. The speed of sound in the 2
air is 330 ms −1. [2012] time taken for the echo to be heard [1]
1
Sol. Calculate the distance between first and second cliff, then i.e., t = s = 05 . s
by adding both, get the total distance between the cliffs. 2
total distance travelled
Given, time taken from nearer cliff, t 1 = 3 s Now, the speed of sound, v =
time taken
Time taken from farther cliff, t 2 = 4 s 170 m −1
Speed of sound in air, v a = 330 m/s [1]
= = 340 ms [1]
0.5s
Total distance, d = ?
Distance of man from nearer cliff, 60. A person is standing at the sea shore. An observer
v a × t 1 330 × 3 on the ship which is anchored in between a
d1 = = = 495 m [1] vertical cliff and the person on the shore fires a
2 2
gun. The person on the shore hears two sounds,
Farther Nearer 2 seconds and 3 seconds after seeing the smoke of
cliff cliff
the fired gun. If the speed of sound in the air is
320 ms −1, then calculate
O
d2 d1 (i) the distance between the observer on the ship and
y y
the person on the shore.
 (ii) the distance between the cliff and the observer on I 1 A1 2 81
So, ratio of intensities, = 2 = [1]
the ship. I 2 A2 256
Man vibration
(ii) Given, f = 4 = 4 Hz
Cliff Observer second
Velocity of sound = 340 m/s
Ship
Sea shore Distance between observer and cliff, d = ?
4 vibrations take 1 s.
Water [2018]
1
∴ 8 vibrations will require = × 8 = 2 s
Sol. d′ d 4 [1]
Cliff Observer v × t 340 × 2
Sea shore Now, d = = = 340 m
2 2
Ship
(Q sound waves have to travel twice the distance
between the observer and cliff ) [1]
Water
1s 2s 62. (i) A wire of length 80 cm has a frequency of
2s
256 Hz. Calculate the length of a similar wire
(i) Observer hears direct sound in 2s. under similar tension, which will have frequency
distance of 1024 Hz.
As, velocity =
time (ii) A certain sound has a frequency of 256 Hz and a
d wavelength of 1.3 m.
320 = ⇒ d = 320 × 2 = 640 m
2 (a) Calculate the speed with which this sound travels.
∴ Distance between person and observer (b) What difference would be felt by a listener
= 640 m. [2]
between the above sound and another sound
travelling at the same speed, but of wavelength
(ii) Observer hears reflected sound in 3s. This means 2.6 m? [2017]
sound goes to cliff and reflect back in remaining
Sol. (i) As, the frequency (ν ) of wire is inversely
one second.
proportional to its length (l )
2d ′ 2d ′
i.e. t =1 s ⇒ v = ⇒ 320 = i.e., ν∝
1
t 1 l
320
⇒ = d ′ ⇒ d ′ =160 m So, for the same tension, we have
2 [2]
ν 1l 1 = ν 2l 2
61. (i) The ratio of the amplitudes of two waves is 9 : 16. Given, ν 1 = 256 Hz, ν 2 = 1024 Hz
What is the ratio of their intensities? 256 × 80
and l 1 = 80 cm ⇒ = l 2 ⇒ l 2 = 20 cm
(ii) A pendulum has a frequency of 4 vibrations per 1024
second. An observer starts the pendulum and fires a [2]
gun simultaneously. He hears the echo from a cliff (ii) Given, ν = 256 Hz, λ =1. 3 m
after 8 vibrations of the pendulum. If the velocity (a) Using the formula,
of sound in air is 340 ms −1 , then what is the
v = νλ = 256 × 13. = 332.8 m/s ≈ 333 m/s
distance between the cliff and the observer?
(b) Now, new wavelength = 2.6 m
Sol. As intensity is directly proportional to the square of
amplitude, so putting the value of amplitude you get v = ν × λ ⇒ 333 = ν × 2.6
the ratio of intensities. 333
⇒ ν= = 12807
. Hz
A 9 2.6
(i) Ratio of amplitudes of two waves 1 =
A2 16 Frequency of above sound is 256 Hz, whereas
frequency of this calculated sound is 12.8 Hz,
As, intensity ( I ) ∝ amplitude (A) 2 .
because speed of sound is same. [2]
All in one Sound 141

CHAPTER EXERCISE
2 Marks Questions Numerical Based Questions
1. Draw waves of different pitch (low and high). 11. A child hears an echo from a cliff, 4s after the sound
2. Write two characteristics of noise. from a powerful cracker is produced. How far away is
3. Write two uses of SONAR technique. the cliff from the child? (Take, velocity of the sound in
air is 330 m/s) Ans. 660 m
4. Write a short note on noise pollution.
12. A radar is able to detect the reflected waves from an
3 Marks Questions enemy aeroplane, after a time interval of 0.02 ms. If
the velocity of the waves is 3 × 10 8 ms −1 , then
5. State three characteristics of a musical sound. calculate the distance of the plane from the radar.
Ans. 3 km
6. (i) On what factors does the natural frequency of a body
depend? 13. A student standing at one end of a closed corridor
(ii) State condition for a body to execute free vibrations. 86 m long blows a short blast on a whistle and notes a
series of echoes. If the time from the blast to the fifth
7. (i) Explain natural and forced vibrations with example.
echo is 2.5 s, then calculate the speed of sound.
(ii) Explain how do the phenomena of resonance play an Ans. 344 m/s
important role in machine parts?
14. Two waves of the same pitch have their amplitudes in
4 Marks Questions the ratio 3 : 4.
(i) What will be the ratio of their loudness?
8. (i ) Two friends were playing on their identical guitars
whose string were adjusted to give notes of the same (ii) What will be the ratio of their intensities?
pitch. Will the quality of the two notes be the same? (iii) What will be the ratio of their frequencies?
Ans. (i) 9 : 16, (ii) 9 : 16, (iii) 1 : 1
Give a reason for your answer.
(ii ) Give the relation among wavelength, time period 15. A boy has wooden blocks in his both hands. He
and wave velocity of a wave motion. claps block together with a regular gap between the
9. (i) Sometimes when a vehicle is driven at a particular claps, so that each clap coincides with the echo of
speed, a rattling sound is heard. Explain briefly, why the last clap returning from the wall.
this happens and give the name of the phenomenon Distance between person and wall is 100m. Time
taking place? noted for 50 claps is 29s. Calculate the speed of
(ii) Suggest one way be which the rattling sound could sound. Ans. 344.82 ms −1
be stopped.
16. A pendulum has a frequency of 5 vibrations per
10. Two musical notes of same pitch and loudness are second. An observer starts the pandulum and fires a
played on a violin and a piano. The waveforms are as gun simultaneously. He hears the echo from a cliff
shown in figures below. after 8 vibrations of the pendulum. If the velocity of
sound in air is 340s −1 , then what is the distance
between the cliff and the observer? Ans. 272 m

17. Two men 1.02 km apart stand at the same distance

from a vertical hillock. One of them fires a shot and
Violin Piano other hears the echo 2s after hearing the direct sound.
Explain, why the wave patterns are different? Find the distance of the man from the hillock
assuming the velocity of sound to be 340 m/s.
Ans. 850 m