CHAPTER 3

SOUND

Compendium

A. Why we study about sound?

B. How to produce sound?
C. The sound produced by a vibrating body
D. Characteristics of vibrations
(i) Simple pendulum
(ii) Oscillations
E. Terminology in oscillations
(i) Equilibrium position
(ii) Amplitude
(iii) Frequency
(iv) Time period
(v) Relating frequency & time period
F. Prerequisites for sound
G. Propagation of sound
(i) Sound travels through solids
(ii) Sound travels through liquids
(iii) Sound travels through gases
H. Sound cannot travel in a vacuum
I. Speed of sound
J. Absorption of sound
K. Characteristics of sound
(i) Loudness
(ii) Pitch
(iii) Quality or timber

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L. Difference between loudness and pitch
M. How we hear sound through our ears?
(i) Human ear
(ii) Outer ear
(iii) Middle ear
(iv) Inner ear
N. The sound produced by humans
(i) Listening of sound by humans
(ii) Audible & Inaudible sound
O. The sound produced by animals
P. Use of ultrasonic vibrations
(i) By animals
(ii) In industries
Q. Terms related to sound
(i) The measure of the loudness of sound
(ii) Noise and Music
(iii) Noise pollution
(a) Source of noise
(1) In homes
(2) In surroundings
(3) Due to transportation
(4) In factories
(b) Harmful effects of noise pollution
(c) Prevention & control of noise
R. Sounds produced by musical instruments
(i) String instruments
(ii) Wind or Reed instruments
(iii) Percussion or Membrane instruments

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(iv) Ghana vadya
S. Solved examples
T. Bird’s-eye view
U. Practice yourself
V. Solutions

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A. Why we study about sound?

The sense organ for hearing (ear) tells us how often we come across
the use of the sound. So, let us define it:
Sound is a type of energy which produces the sensation of hearing
in our ears. In other words, we can say, the sound is the energy which
produces in us the sensation of hearing.

B. How to produce sound?

Try performing these activities that can help us understand more

about sound.

Activity 1
Place a plastic/metallic ruler on the table. Carefully place it in such a
way that 2/3rds of the ruler projects (just out) from the edge of the
table. Subsequently, place a massive object such as a brick or a
dictionary on the ruler. Next, we press the projecting end downwards
and release it abruptly. What do we observe? We will notice, the ruler
snaps back and starts vibrating. A sound also accompanies at the
same time. The sound stops as soon as the vibrations stop.

Activity 2
Cut a rubber band. Now, we hold one end of it in our mouth and the
other end in our hand. Stretch it and now, pull it with the other hand
and release it (Fig). What happens to the rubber band? We will note
that it vibrates or moves to and fro, and it also produces sound.

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Fig 1: A rubber band and a plastic ruler are capable of producing sound

Conclusion
Vibrating objects or bodies, produce sound.

C. The sound produced by a vibrating body

• A vibrating body produces sound.

• Sometimes, the vibrations are visible with the naked eye, and the
sound accompanied is quite loud.
• However, the vibrations may be weak, emitting a feeble sound.
• E.g. Diaphragm of the drum, Strings of violin, Air column within a
flute

D. Characteristics of vibrations
• In sound-producing objects, the vibrations take place very fast.
• They might not be seen very clearly with the naked human eye. For
this purpose, we use a slow-motion video as a practical solution in
scientific as well as industrial applications.
• To produce slower vibrations, which are also called oscillations, we
can construct an arrangement called a simple pendulum.

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(i) Simple pendulum

It is made up of a ball or any weight, such as

wooden top, stone, steel bolt, which is called
a bob. It hangs down vertically with the help
of a thread or string.

Fig 2: A simple pendulum

(ii) Oscillations
It indicates the back and forth movement in a regular rhythm. The
term vibration is correctly used to portray mechanical oscillation.

E. Terminology in oscillations:

Figures show a simple oscillating pendulum as well as a vibrating

string portraying the mean position and amplitude by means of a
string. The string hangs vertically because of the force of gravity
acting upon it. When the bob is given a little push, it performs a to-
and-fro motion for some time and ultimately stops.

(i) Equilibrium position

The position where the bob finally stops is called the equilibrium
position (A) or the mean position.

Fig 3: Different positions in a simple pendulum

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(ii) Amplitude
The maximum displacement achieved by the bob from the mean
position during oscillations is called the amplitude of the oscillation.
The SI unit of amplitude is the metre (m).

(iii) Frequency

• The number of oscillations produced by any vibrating body in one

second is called its frequency. It is denoted by the letter 'f'. The unit

of frequency defined in the SI system is Hertz (Hz or s–1).

• When a vibrating body produces 100 vibrations (oscillations) in one
second, its frequency is said to be 100 hertz.
• If we see the frequency of a tuning fork is written as 500 Hz, it
means that it produces 500 vibrations in one second.

(iv) Time period

When a bob moves from one position and returns to the same
position, such that the motion will now repeat, it is said to complete
one oscillation. The time taken by any vibrating body to complete one
oscillation is called the time period.

Fig 4: One complete oscillation Fig 5: One complete oscillation or cycle is

or cycle is from A to B and back from A to B to C and back to A moving in
to A the same direction

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(v) Relating frequency & time period

• The time period is generally denoted by the letter ‘T’.

• If the frequency is denoted by ‘f’ and the time period is ‘T’,

Then f vibrations are complete in = 1 second.

∴ One vibration is completed in = (1/f) seconds
∴ The time taken by the bob to complete one vibration is its time
period (T).

1
T=
f

Fig 6: Wave (a) and (b) have the same amplitude and therefore, same
loudness. But the frequency of wave (b) is greater than (a) because the time
period of (b) is less than (a)

Try and learn

1. Define Vibrations
Answer: It is a mechanical phenomenon in which oscillations occur
about an equilibrium point.
2. How is the sound produced?
Answer: Sound is produced when something vibrates.

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Checkpoint - 1

1. What is meant by oscillatory motion?

2. Define frequency.
3. Give the unit in which the frequency is measured.
4. The sound from a housefly is produced when it vibrates its wings
at an average rate of 300 vibrations per second. Compute the time
period of the vibration.
5. The frequency of a given sound is 4.5 kHz. Compute the vibrations
completed in one second.

F. Prerequisites for sound

• To produce sound by vibrations, firstly, the source (a mechanical
device) must receive an input of energy.
• Now, the device must be in contact with a medium that will receive
the sound energy and carry it to a receiver.
• If the device is not in contact with a medium, the energy will not be
transferred to a receiver, and there will be no sound.
• Thus, three essential elements for transmission and reception of
sound must be present before a sound can be produced.

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G. Propagation of sound

• Unlike light, sound can travel only through a material medium.

• Hence a material medium is necessary for the propagation of
sound.
• Let us do some activities to prove that sound can travel through
solids, liquids and gases.
• Here are a couple of activities to bolster our thoughts on the
propagation of sound.

(i) Sound travels through solids

Take a wooden stick and press one ear
at one end of it. Ask a friend to knock
at the other end (figure) gently. We
can hear the sound very clearly. Fig 7: Sound can travel through
solids
This proves that sound travels
through solids.

(ii) Sound travels through liquids

Place a squeaking toy in a polythene bag and hold it in a bucket of

water (Fig). Can we hear its squeak, when
we squeeze it? Now, try placing the ear
against the side of the bucket and squeeze
the toy again. Do we hear its squeak? In
which case did we hear the sound better?
This activity shows that sound can travel
Fig 8: Sound can travel
through liquids as well. through liquids

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(iii) Sound travels through gases

Fill a balloon with air and press it to the ear.

Stretch the other end of it with your fingers
(Fig). We note that the sound reaches the
ear. This activity shows that sound can also Fig 9: Sound can travel
through air (gas)
travel through gases.

Try and learn

1. In which medium, sound travels the fastest and why?

Answer: Solids because molecules in any solid medium are much
closer together than the ones present in a liquid or gas. This allows
sound waves to travel more quickly through it.
2. What are three important elements for communication of sound?
Answer: (a) Source or Transmitter
(b) A medium for carrying sound
(c) Detector or Receiver.

H. Sound cannot travel in a vacuum

• A medium is required for sound to travel.
• It can travel through any medium – solids, liquids and gases, but
not in a vacuum.
Let us perform the following activity.
• Take a bell jar and fit an electric bell in it through an airtight cork,
as shown in Fig. 10.

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• Now, place this bell jar on the platform of the
vacuum pump and put a little grease at the
edges, so as to make the jar airtight.
• Next, we connect the bell to a battery through a
key (push button switch). On pressing the key,
we can hear the sound of the bell, as its hammer
strikes against the gong. Fig 10: Sound cannot
travel in a vacuum
• Subsequently, we start the vacuum pump. It is
observed that as the air is withdrawn from the bell jar, the
loudness of sound of the bell decreases.
• Furthermore, when a vacuum is created, no sound is heard, in
spite of the fact that the hammer is striking against the gong.
• Stop the vacuum pump and allow the entry of air into the bell jar.
The sound of the bell is heard again. This experiment proves:
(i) Sound cannot travel through a vacuum
(ii) A material medium is necessary for the propagation of sound.

I. Speed of sound
• Sound waves travel at a different pace in different substances.
• The speed of sound varies, depending on factors such as
temperature, nature of the material, the physical state of the
substance.
• Consider an instance where the speed of sound in air at 20°C is
about 340 m/s but drops to about 330 m/s at 0°C. Sound travels
fastest in solids and slowest in gases. Speed of sound in different
media:

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s. no. Substance (20 ℃) Speed of
sound (m/s)
1 Air 340
2 Water 1482
3 Seawater at 3.5% salinity 1522
4 Aluminium 6420
5 Granite 6000

J. Absorption of sound
• It has been found that shining objects like mirrors,
metals or hard objects like buildings or stones
reflect sound.
• However, materials with loose texture absorb
sound. For example, curtains, gunny bags, straw, Fig 11: Stones reflect
sound
carpets, absorb sound.
• Big cinema halls or auditoriums are carpeted, and their walls are
coated with some rough materials so that they do not reflect any
sound. It is because such places are huge and therefore, echoes are
formed. Thus, the quality of sound heard by people becomes poor.
• However, in ordinary rooms in which we live,
we do not have this problem. It is because they
are seldom 11 m or more long or wide. Thus, the
original sound and reflected sound reach the
ears at almost the same time, and hence, no
echo is formed.
Fig 12: Structure of a
cinema hall

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K. Characteristics of sound
The following traits completely define the characteristics of sound
entirely.
(i) Loudness
When the string is plucked softly, it
produces a feeble sound, and
when it is plucked hard, it
produces a louder sound. Fig 13: Different loudness
In other words, in the first case
vibrations with small amplitudes are produced and in the second
case vibrations with large amplitudes are produced. Thus, we
conclude that the loudness of a sound depends on the amplitude
of vibration. It is measured in decibels (dB).
(ii) Pitch

• The shrillness or flatness of a sound is known as pitch.

• The pitch of a sound is dependent on the frequency of vibration.
• The higher the frequency of a sound, the higher will be its pitch. In
other words, high pitched sounds (such as the shrill whistling of a
kettle or a jet engine) are created at high frequencies.

Fig 14: Different pitch

• This is the reason why we whistle for our dog; the high-pitched
sound attracts him. We can get a unique 'dog whistle' that emits
a very high-pitched sound at a frequency much beyond 20,000 Hz;

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humans cannot hear it, but your dog will come bounding up to
you when he hears the sound (inaudible to you)!

(iii) Quality or timber

Fig 15: Different animals with different sounds

• The characteristic of any sound which enables us to distinguish

between two sounds of the same pitch and loudness, produced by
two different sources is called its quality or timber.
• For example, we can recognise a person by hearing his voice.
• We can also distinguish the sound of a guitar from that of a sitar or
harmonium.

L. Difference between loudness & pitch

Loudness Pitch
Loudness depends on the Pitch is the frequency
amplitude of the vibrations perceived by a listener.
of any vibrating body.
Loudness depends upon Pitch does not depend
the energy received by the upon the energy received
ear. by the ear.
Loudness does not depend Pitch changes with the
on frequency. changes in frequency

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Try and learn

1. What can we say about a medium through which sound cannot

travel?
Answer: Sound cannot travel through a vacuum.
2. Mention some of the characteristics of sound in detail.
Answer: (a) Pitch: The shrillness or flatness of a sound is known as
pitch.
(b) Loudness: It depends on the amplitude of vibration. It is
measured in decibels (dB).
(c) Quality: The characteristic which enables us to distinguish
between two sounds with the same pitch and loudness.

Checkpoint - 2

1. How can we say that sound does not travel in a vacuum?

2. Why are the walls of a cinema hall, not plain?
3. Differentiate between Loudness and Pitch.
4. What is the relation between the frequency of a sound and its
pitch?
5. List down some of the factors responsible for the different speed
of sound in different media.

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M. How we hear sound through our ears?

We know that we hear through our ears. So, let us elaborate each
and every part of the ear and how it works!

(i) Human ear

We have learnt that vibrating objects produce a sound which is

carried in all directions in a medium. How do we hear a sound? Our
ears help us to hear the sound. The
human ear has three critical parts.
Only one of its
parts can be seen and felt by us,
which is the outer ear. The rest of the
ear remains deep inside the skull. Fig 16: Sectional view of the ear

(ii) Outer ear

• The outer ear is made up of the pinna and the ear-tube.

• The outer part of the ear has a shape that appears like a funnel.
• When sound enters the ear, it travels down a canal at the end of
which a thin membrane is stretched tightly.
• This tightly stretched membrane is called the eardrum, which
performs a vital function.

(iii) Middle ear

It has three very tiny interlocked bones. The innermost bone is joined
to the inner ear.

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(iv) Inner ear
• It has a coiled organ having a semi-circular canal and the
auditory nerve.
• Any vibrating body causes air molecules to vibrate. These
vibrations reach out to the ear and are collected by the pinna and
then funnelled into the ear tube.
• These vibrations strike the eardrum that starts vibrating with the
same frequency. It then forces the interlocked bones to vibrate.
• The hearing organ passes the vibrations to the auditory nerve,
which takes the signal to the brain. This enables us to hear the
sound.

N. The sound produced by humans

• In a human being, the sound is produced by a voice box (larynx).
• A couple of vocal cords are stretched across the voice box such
that passage for air remains between the cords.
• When we speak, lungs force air through the passage due to which
the cords start vibrating and produce sound. The tightness of the
cords is controlled by the muscles connected to vocal cords.

Fig 17: Human vocal cords

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(i) Listening to sound by humans

The ear has a stretched membrane called eardrum or tympanic

membrane. When sound reaches our ear, it strikes the eardrum,
which starts vibrating. These vibrations are carried forward into the ear
by a connection of bones (hammer, anvil and stirrup). These are then
converted into electrical signals which are interpreted by the brain.

(ii) Audible & Inaudible sound

• It has been proved that the human ear is not sensitive to vibrations
of all frequencies. In other words, we can only hear sounds that fall
within a specific range of frequencies; any sound outside that
frequency range is inaudible to our ears.
• We can hear sounds within frequencies ranging from 20 Hz to
20,000 Hz. This is called Audible frequency range of sound. Such
vibrations are named sonic vibrations or sound vibrations.
• Sound frequencies less than 20 Hz are called Infrasonic sound and
sound frequencies more than 20,000 Hz (20 k Hz) are called
Ultrasonic sound.
• Human beings cannot perceive either infrasonic or ultrasonic
sounds. Hence, these are called 'Inaudible' sounds, i.e., sounds we
cannot hear.
• Almost all animals have a wide range of hearing. Bats can detect
frequencies as high as 100,000 Hz!

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O. The sound produced by animals

• Most mammals, such as dogs, cows, cats,

produce sound with the help of their vocal
cords.
• Dogs can be easily trained to respond to a
whistle which generates ultrasonic vibrations
and is commonly called Galton's whistle. Figure 18: All animals
have different sounds
• Birds produce sound by means of a ring of
cartilage called Syrinx, fixed at the beginning of their windpipe.
Some birds have two parts in the Syrinx. Thus, they can produce
two different notes.
• Insects such as bees, houseflies, mosquitoes produce buzzing
sound by rapidly flapping their wings.

Try and learn

1. What are the critical parts of the human ear?

Answer: There are three critical parts of the human ear: Outer Ear,
Middle Ear and Inner Ear.
2. Which part of our human body is responsible for creating a voice?
Answer: The voice box or larynx helps us speak and create a voice.

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P. Use of ultrasonic vibrations

(i) By animals

• Bats produce vibrations in the frequency range of 50 Hz to 80,000

Hz. Bats have fragile eyes. When the bats fly at night, they produce
ultrasonic vibrations which cannot be heard by the humans or the
insects. When these vibrations strike the insects, they are reflected
back. On receiving the reflected sound, the bat can locate the insect
and eat it.
• Dolphins are related to the whale family. They use ultrasonic sound
to locate their prey, in much the same way as the bats.

(ii) In industries

• Ultrasonic vibrations are used to make homogenised milk, i.e., the

milk which is agitated with ultrasonic vibrators. The vibrations
break down the larger particles of the fat present in the milk to
smaller particles.
• Ultrasonic vibrations are used in dishwashing machines. In the
dishwashing machines, water and detergent are vibrated with the
help of ultrasonic vibrators. The cleaning action involves vibrating
detergent particles rubbing against the dirty utensils.
• Ultrasonic vibrations can produce a sort of depression in
cockroaches and rats. Thus, they can be used to drive rats and
cockroaches from go downs.
• Ultrasonic vibrations are capable of taking images of internal
organs in a human body. In fact, we even use it to study the growth
of the foetus in the mother's womb.

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• Ultrasonic vibrations help in relieving pain in joints and muscles.
• Ultrasonic vibrations can detect flaws in articles made from
metals. They are also used in calculating the thickness of various
parts of a metallic component.

Q. Terms related to sound

(i) The measure of the loudness of sound

• The unit to measure the loudness of a sound is in decibels (dB).

• It tells us about the level of sound pressure.
• Human ears can identify sound ranging from 10 dB to 180 dB.
• The loudness of any sound is considered normal if it is between 50
dB to 60 dB. An average human being can tolerate loudness of 80
dB.
• The sound above 80 dB is painful and causes various health
problems.

(ii) Noise and music

• A sound which is not pleasing to the ears is called noise.

• Scientifically, a noise is produced by irregular vibrations.
Conversely, a sound which has a pleasant sensation on the ears is
called music.
• Scientifically, a musical sound is produced by regular vibrations.
• For example, the prong of a tuning fork or the string of a sitar
vibrates at regular intervals and hence, they produce a musical
sound.

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(iii) Noise pollution
The disturbance produced in the environment by any annoying,
loud and harsh sound from various sources is called noise pollution.

No. Source of sound Loudness Effect of sound on the

level (in dB) human ear
1. Whispering 10-25 Just audible
2. Radio or TV at low 30-40 Quite audible
volume
3. Conversation 50-60 Moderately loud sound
4. Light vehicles 60-70 Very loud sound
5. Mixer-cum- 70-80 Very loud but tolerable
grinder/ busy
crossing
6. Motorcycle or 90-105 Noise, very loud and
heavy vehicle uncomfortable
7. Lightning 120-130 A very uncomfortable and
loud sound
8. Jet aeroplane 130 or above Painful sound

Noise pollution is a recent phenomenon in the twentieth century. The

increasing dependence of the man on various kinds of machines at
home, or workplace or factories, has provided a lot to worsen noise
pollution.
The noise pollution can be determined at a particular place by the
following factors:
(i) Loudness of the sound
(ii) Duration of noise.

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(iv) Source of noise

1. Noise in homes: The following are the causes of noise in homes.

(i) television, (ii) radio, (iii) power music system, (iv) washing
machines, (v) desert cooler, (vi) mixer-cum-grinder, (vii) vacuum
cleaner, (viii) telephone, (ix) typewriter, (x) air-conditioner.
2. Noise in surroundings: The following are the causes of noise in
surroundings: (i) loudspeakers used in marriages and religious
places, (ii) exploding crackers on various functions, (iii) hawkers in
the street, (iv) publicity announcements made by trading
companies, (v) noise produced in the construction of houses.
3. Noise due to transportation: This type of noise is produced by (i)
trains, (ii) all kinds of petrol and diesel vehicles, (iii) aeroplanes, (iv)
pressure horns used in automobiles.
4. Noise in factories: All factories, big or small use machines, which
invariably produce noise and hence contribute to noise pollution.

(v) Harmful effects of noise pollution

1. Noise in the surroundings interferes having a conversation with

another person.
2. If we have prolonged exposure to noise pollution, it may result in
the loss of hearing.
3. Noise pollution also reduces concentration and results in the loss
of work efficacy.
4. Noise may be the reason for anger, tension and interferes with the
sleep pattern of individuals.
5. Noise is capable of producing headaches, irritability and even
nervous tension.

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6. Noise may cause loss of night vision as well as cause colour
blindness.

(vi) Prevention & control of noise

In modern society, we cannot eliminate noise, but can lower its level
to bearable limits by taking the following measures:

1. The machines should be designed such that they produce minimal

noise.
2. All the vehicles, electric dynamo, should be installed with improved
silencers.
3. The heavy vehicles must not be allowed in residential areas.
4. The usage of loudspeakers for various religious or social functions
should be banned.
5. The factories must be relocated far away from the residential areas.
6. At homes, T.V, radio, power music system, should be played at low
volume.

Try and learn

1. What is an Ultrasound?
Answer: A sound wave with a frequency greater than 20,000 Hz.
2. Name some animals that use ultrasounds.
Answer: Bats and Dolphins
3. What are some man-made examples making use of ultrasounds?
Answer: Homogenising milk, Dish-washing machines, Relieving pain
in joints and muscles.
4. How is sound measured?
Answer: Sound is measured in decibels (dB).

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5. What is the noise? List some of its sources.
Answer: Any unwanted sound that causes discomfort to ear is called
noise. Some of its sources are construction sites, firecrackers,
loudspeaker.

Checkpoint - 3

1. Why can humans not hear an ultrasound?

2. Differentiate between music and noise.
3. Classify the sources of noise with at least two examples.
4. How can noise be harmful to humans?
5. Suggest some ways in which we can prevent noise pollution.

R. Sounds produced by musical instruments

There are basically three families of musical instruments:

(i) String instruments
Stringed instruments have tight strings mounted over specially
designed wooden frames, which are partially hollow from the inside.
When the strings are plucked or struck or played with a bow, they
vibrate to produce a musical sound of some particular frequency.
The pitch of the sound of a musical instrument can be changed by
altering its length.

Fig 19: Different musical instruments

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(ii) Wind or Reed Instruments
Wind instruments make the use of vibrating air columns. In these
instruments, the air is blown in, either directly or through the reeds.
Flute, Shehnai, Bagpipes, Bugles, are some of the examples of wind
instruments.

Figure 20: Different wind instruments

(iii) Percussion or membrane instruments

All percussion instruments have a taut or tight skin over a hollow
metal or wooden frame. When the skin is struck, it produces a musical
sound. Dholak, tabla, mridangam and drums, are some of the
examples of percussion instruments. There
are some other musical instruments which
are exclusively used in our country but do not
belong to any of the above three kinds of
musical instruments. They can be placed in
the fourth class of musical instruments. Figure 21: Different
percussion instruments

(iv) Ghana Vadya

These instruments are simply
struck or beaten in a rhythm.

Fig 22: Classification of Ghana Vadya

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Manjira (cymbals), the ghatam (mud pots), Jal Tarang, are some of
the Ghana Vadya. These instruments are commonly used in all parts
of our country.

Try and learn

1. How many members comprise the family of musical

instruments?
Answer: There are four members namely: (a) String (b) Wind (c)
Membrane (d) Ghana Vadya
2. Under which category of musical instruments will mud pot fall?
Answer: Ghana Vadya

Checkpoint - 4

1. What is the range of frequencies of sound for the human auditory

field?
2. Define a string instrument with examples.
3. Differentiate between Wind and Percussion Instruments.
4. Explain about Ghana Vadya with suitable examples.

Competitive Corner
On the basis of the need of medium, waves are of two types:
(a)Mechanical wave: It is a periodic disturbance which requires a
material medium for its propagation. The properties of these waves
depend upon the medium, so they are known as elastic waves, such
as sound waves, water waves, waves in a stretched string.

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On the basis of motion of particles, the mechanical waves are
classified into two parts:
(1) Transverse wave (2) Longitudinal wave

1. Transverse wave: A wave motion in which the medium particles

oscillate about their mean positions perpendicular to the travelling
direction of the wave is called a transverse wave. These waves can
propagate through solids and liquids but not through gases because
gases do not possess elastic properties.

E.g., vibration in strings, ripples on

the water surface. These waves
travel in the forms of crest and
troughs. Fig 23: A transverse wave

2. Longitudinal wave: A wave motion in which the medium

particles oscillate about their mean position in the direction of
propagation of wave can be called a longitudinal wave. These waves
can propagate through solids, liquids and gases.

E.g., wave produced by compressing a spring, sound waves. They

travel in the form of compressions and rarefactions.

Fig 24: A longitudinal wave

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Transverse vs longitudinal waves:
S. No. Transverse waves Longitudinal waves
1. In these waves, vibration of In these waves, vibration of
the particles of the the particles of the medium is
medium is perpendicular in the direction of the
to the direction of propagation of waves.
propagation of the waves.
2. These waves travel in the These waves travel in the
forms of crest and trough. forms of compression and
rarefaction.
3. The distance between any The distance between two
two consecutive crests or compressions or rarefactions
troughs is called the is called the wavelength.
wavelength.
4. These waves can travel These waves can travel
through solids and liquids through solids, liquids and
only. gases.

Electromagnetic waves:
An electromagnetic wave is a periodic disturbance which does not
require any physical medium for its propagation and can travel even
through a vacuum.
E.g., Light waves, X-ray and radio waves. These waves are of
transverse type.

Mental floss!

In the seven notes of Indian musical system: sa, re, ga, ma, pa,
dha and nee, the frequency increase from sa to nee.

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Did you know?

Sound travels in a material medium in the form of waves. These

waves propagate in the medium by the vibrations of the particles
of the medium.

As shown above, each particle of the medium vibrates to and fro

about its mean position along the direction of propagation of the
wave. This type of wave is called a longitudinal wave.

SONAR:
SONAR stands for Sound Navigation and Ranging.
This device is used in the ships to locate rocks, icebergs, submarines
and old ships that sank in the sea. We can use it to measure the depth
of the sea.
The underlying principle is the reflection of sound waves (i.e. an echo).

How to Determine the Depth of a Sea using Sonar?

A beam of ultrasonic waves is sent towards the bottom of the sea from
the transmitter of a SONAR fitted on the ship. When this beam is
reflected back from the bottom of the sea, it is received by the receiver
of the SONAR on the ship.
The time taken by these ultrasonic waves to travel from the ship to the
bottom of the sea and then returning back to the ship is put down. Let
it be 't' seconds.

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Hence, the time taken by the ultrasonic waves to go from the ship to
the bottom of the sea is (t/2) seconds.
Using the following formula S = v(t/2), we can calculate the depth of
the sea. Here, S = depth of the sea, u = speed of an ultrasonic wave in
water.

Try and learn

1. A ship sends on a high-frequency sound wave and hears an echo

after 1 second. Calculate the depth of the sea. (The speed of sound in
water is 1500 m/s).
Ans. Let d = depth of the sea So, the total distance traversed by the
sound wave = 2d
The time is taken by sound to travel both ways = 1 s
As per definition,
Speed of sound = (Total distance travelled)/(Time taken)
1500 = 2d/1 or d = 1500/2 = 750 m
Thus, the depth of the sea can be said as 750 metres.
2. A sonar echo takes 2.2 s to return from a whale. How far away is
the whale?
Ans. Total time is taken by the signal = 2.2 s
So, time taken by the signal to reach the whale = 2.2/2 = 1.1 s
The distance of the whale = d
Now, speed of sound in water at 25 ℃ = 1533 m/s
So, the distance of whale, d = Speed of the signal X Time taken.
Or d = 1533 X 1.1 = 1686.3 m

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Bird’s-eye view

1. A sound is a form of energy.

2. A vibrating body produces sound.
3. A vibrating body can be said to have to-and-fro motion or oscillatory
motion.
4. The maximum displacement from the mean position is called
amplitude.
5. The number of oscillations produced by any vibrating body in one
second is called its frequency.
6. The time taken by any vibrating body to complete one oscillation is
called the time period.
7. There are three elements of sound, the source, the medium and the
receiver.
8. Sound can travel through solids and fluids.
9. Sound cannot travel in a vacuum.
10. Speed of sound is different in different media.
11. Pitch of the sound is directly proportional to the amplitude of the
sound wave.
12. The loudness of a sound increases with amplitude. It is measured
in decibels (db).
13. The characteristic of any sound to distinguish between two sounds
of the same pitch and loudness is called quality or timber.
14. The shrillness or flatness of a sound is known as pitch.
15. Ears help us hear a sound. Three parts of the ear are the outer ear,
middle ear and inner ear.
16. In a human, the sound is produced by the vocal box or larynx.

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17. Humans can produce and hear a sound ranging from 20 Hz to
20,000 Hz.
18. The sound waves that can be heard by humans are called audible
sound. The sound waves that cannot be heard by humans are
called inaudible sound.
19. The sounds above 20,000 Hz are called ultrasounds. The sounds
below 20 Hz are called infrasound.
20. Ultrasounds are used by animals and in industries.
21. A sound which is not pleasing to the ears is called noise.
22. A musical sound is produced by regular vibrations.
23. Noise can be found in homes, in surroundings, in industries, due
to transportation which constitutes to noise pollution.
24. Music instruments can be classified in four ways: String
instruments, wind instruments, percussion instruments and
Ghana Vadya.

Solved examples

Very Short Answer Type (1 Mark):

1. What is the average length of vocal cords in men?
Answer: The vocal cords found in men are about 20 mm long.
2. Define 1 hertz.
Answer: A frequency of one oscillation per second means 1 hertz.
3. How is the pitch and frequency of a sound related?
Answer: If the frequency of any vibration is higher than the sound has
a higher pitch.
4. Name the SI units of (i) time period (ii) frequency.
Answer: (i) Second (ii) Hertz

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5. Why does the sound of the horn of an approaching car reach us
before the car?
Answer: This takes place because the speed of sound is much more
compared to the speed of the car.

Short Answer Type (2 Marks/ 3 Marks):

6. If the amplitude increases three times, determine how much the
loudness increases.
Answer: If the increase the amplitude three times, the loudness will
2
increase by a factor of 9 times. (Loudness ∝ Amplitude )
7. We are unable to hear the sound of the exploding meteors in the
sky, though we can see then. Why?
Answer: Sound cannot travel through a vacuum; in space, there is a
vacuum. Light can travel through a vacuum, so we can see the
exploding meteor but cannot hear the explosion.
8. 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?
Answer: The frequency is given as 500 Hz. So, the time period is (1/500)
s = 0.002 s
9. How do birds and insects produce sound?
Answer: Birds chirp with the help syrinx in their windpipe. Insects
produce sound by flapping their wings.
10. How is that you can hear a friend talking in another room without
seeing him?
Answer: Sound can travel in all directions and around corners. Light
cannot travel around corners. Therefore, we can hear a friend talking
in another room but cannot see him.

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Long Answer Type (5 Marks):

11. Sketch larynx and explain its function in our own words.
Ans. Sketch of the larynx is drawn in the chapter. We produce sound
in the larynx of our throats. The larynx has two vocal cords, which are
folds of tissue with a slit-like opening between them. When we
speak, air passes through the opening, and the vocal cords vibrate to
produce sound.
12. 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 we explain why?
Ans. The speed of light is more than the speed of sound. Therefore,
even though thunder and lightning take place simultaneously, we
see the lightning earlier.
13. (i) What is SONAR?
(ii) What is the basic principle of its working?
(iii) Explain its use.
Ans. (i) SONAR refers to sound Navigation and Ranging.
(ii) The principle of reflection of sound is used in SONAR.
(iii) SONAR is used to measure the depth of the ocean. Ultrasonic
waves are sent from the ship down into the sea. They are received
back after reflection from the sea bed. The depth is calculated by
nothing the time period.
14. What is the use of ultrasound in medicine and industry?
Ans. Use of ultrasound in medicine and industry:
• For scanning and imaging the body for stones, tumour and foetus.
• For relieving the pain in muscles and joints.
• Use of ultrasound in the industry:

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• For detecting finer faults in metal sheets.
• In dishwashing machines, water and detergent are vibrated with
ultrasonic vibrators.
• For homogenising milk in milk plants
15. What is a sonogram? Why is it preferred to X-ray?
Ans. A sonogram is an image of the internal organs. Ultrasound can
pass through the human body and are reflected back. The reflections
are recorded by computer, and images are generated on the screen.
A sonogram is not harmful and is therefore used for studying the
foetus or stone or tumour in the organs. On the other hand, X-ray can
be harmful if humans are exposed for a longer time.

Multiple Choice Type (Each carries one mark)

1. A sound is a form of ___ that produces the sensation of hearing in
our ears.
(A) Heat (B) Gas (C) Energy (D) Speed
2. One complete ___ motion of the body is called one vibration.
(A) Circular (B) Linear (C) Forward (D) To and fro
3. The amplitude of the vibrating strip is measured in ___
(A) Kilogram (B) Centimetre
(C) Ampere (D) None of the above
4. The range of frequencies from ___ is called the audible range.
(A) 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (B) 10 Hz to 10,000 Hz
(C) 30 Hz to 30,000 Hz (D) 40 Hz to 40,000 Hz

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5. The infrasonic sound is used successfully in drilling deepest wells

because the ___ vibrations break up hard rock more easily than the
ordinary drill do.
(A) Low frequency (B) Medium frequency
(C) Unequal frequency (D) High frequency
6. The speed of sound is ___ in different media.
(A) Negligible (B) Equal
(C) Different (D) Minute
7. The speed of sound does not depend on the ___ and the amplitude
of the wave.
(A) Height (B) Wavelength
(C) Thickness (D) Length
8. The sound heard after reflection from a rigid obstacle is called the
___
(A) Reflection (B) Refraction
(C) Deflection (D) Echo
9. One hertz is equivalent to:
(A) One cycle per second (B) One second
(C) One metre per second (D) One second per metre
10. If a wave completes 24 cycles in 0.8 s, then the frequency of the
wave is:
(A) 30 Hz (B) 8 Hz (C) 24 Hz (D) 12 Hz

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Fill in the blanks: (Each carries one mark)
11. The frequency of ultrasounds is ..................than the range of human
hearing.
12. Industrial noise can be reduced by proper ..................
13. The unit of the loudness of sound of ..................
14. Any vibrating body produces..................
15. Loudness is determined by .................. of vibration.
16. Galton whistle produces a sound of frequency greater than
...................
17. Pitch increases with the increase in the .................... of a vibrating
body.
18. We hear sounds with frequencies between .........Hz and ........Hz.
19. Pitch of sound depends on .............of vibration.
20. Sound travels fastest in ........... and least in .............

True or false: (Each carries one mark)

21. Sound travels faster in solids than in air.
22. Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a particle from the
mean position.
23. The more the amplitude of a vibrating body, the more is the
loudness.
24. Sitar is a stringed instrument.
25. The number of vibrations produced by a vibrating body in one
second is called the frequency of the vibrating body, and it is also
equal to the frequency of the sound produced.
26. Sound above 20,000, Hz is called infrasonic.
27. Pitch depends on the amplitude of the vibrating object.
28. Louder the sound lesser is the amplitude of vibrating body.

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29. The speed of sound in air is 5100 ms–1.
30. Noise pollution cannot cause partial deafness.

Very Short Answer Type (Each carries one mark)

31. What produces sound?
32. What is the frequency?
33. What is the frequency range up to which bats can hear?
34. What is the range of audible frequency for human beings?
35. What do you understand by the term quality of sound?
36. Name a medium in which sound cannot propagate.
37. Which sounds are called noise?
38. Name two animals which can hear ultrasonic vibrations.
39. Does a short or long air column produce a shrill note of high
frequency?
40. Does men's or women's voice have a high frequency?

Short Answer Type (Each carries two marks)

41. Define the two characteristics of sound.
42. What makes our vocal cords vibrate?
43. State two differences between pitch and loudness.
44. State three harmful effects of noise pollution for the workers
working in factories.
45. What are the hazards of noise pollution?

Long Answer Type (Each carries five marks)

46. Why is the sound of a sitar different from the sound of a drum?
47. How can you find the speed of sound in air?

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CHAPTER 3
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48. Describe experiments to show that: (i) Sound can travel through
liquids (ii) Sound can travel through solids.
49. What are the factors on which pitch of a sound depend?
50. How do we hear sounds through our ears? Explain.

Write down the first word that comes to your mind and fill the
crossword:
Starts with M ends with C (5)

Starts with M ends with E (10)

Starts with V ends with E (6)

Starts with B ends with L (4)

Starts with E ends with N (8)

Starts with S ends with R (7)

Starts with H ends with E (9)

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 CHAPTER 3
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Crossword 2
Across:
2. Number of cycles repeated in a
time interval
3. Increases with the amplitude
of the sound
6. Ability to distinguish the same
pitch and loudness
Down:
1. Used to measure time
4. Helps us hear the sound
5. Increases with the frequency of
sound
Word search
Music Volume
Microphone Bell
Earphone Headphone
Speaker

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CHAPTER 3
SOUND
Pendulum Frequency
Ear Loudness
Pitch Timber

Unscramble us:
1. Queerfncy
2. Undos
3. Ionse
4. Soundels
5. Chipt

Solutions

Checkpoint 1:
1. Oscillatory motion can be said as the repeated motion in which
any object repeats the same movement again and again.
2. Frequency can be said as the number of occurrences or
happenings of a repeating event in unit time.
3. Hertz
4. 0.0033 seconds
5. 45000
Checkpoint 2:
1. Sound cannot travel through a vacuum because there is no
matter for the vibrations to occur.
2. The walls are corrugated or shaped such that they have tiny holes
or empty spaces in between to absorb the echo.
3. Refer Section 12

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 CHAPTER 3
SOUND
4. A high-frequency sound wave has a higher pitch, and a low-
frequency sound wave has a lower pitch.
5. Speed of sound depends on:

(a)Nature of medium or material through which it travels: Speed of

sound is different in a different material (Air 344 m/s, water 1500 m/s,
iron 5130 m/s) speed of sound solid>liquid>gases.
(b)On the temperature. As the temperature increases speed of the
sound increases. 0 °C air 332 m/s.
(c)The humidity of the air. Speed of sound is less in dry air, and speed
of sound is more in the humid air. Speed of sound increases with an
increase in humidity of the air.

Checkpoint 3:

1. Ultrasonic sound lies in inaudible range for humans.

2. Refer to section 17.2
3. Refer to section 17.3.1
4. Refer to section 17.3.2
5. Refer to section 17.3.3

Checkpoint 4:

1. 20 Hz – 20 kHz
2. Refer to section 18.1
3. Refer to section 18.2 and 18.3
4. Refer to section 18.4

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Novice level

MCQs

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
C D B A A C B D A A

Fill in the blanks

11. Greater
12. Prevention
13. Decibels
14. Sound
15. Amplitude
16. 20kHz
17. Frequency
18. 20 and 20,000
19. Frequency.
20. Solids and gases

True or false

21. T 22. T 23.T 24. T

25. T 26. F 27. F 28. T
29. F 30.F

VSA
31. Vibration
32. The no. of cycles repeated by any vibrating object in 1 second is
called its frequency.
33. 200 kHz

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 CHAPTER 3
SOUND
34. 20 kHz
35. Characteristics of any sound which allow the ear to distinguish
any sounds which consist of the same pitch and loudness.
36. Vacuum
37. Refer section 17
38. Dolphins and whales
39. Short air column produces a shriller not of high frequency.
40. Females have a higher frequency.

Advance level

Crossword

Word search
Unscramble us
1. Frequency
2. Sound
3. Noise
4. Loudness
5. Pitch

END

46