Sound Sound waves are transverse waves. They are produced by vibrating sources.

How the sound wave moves? As the object vibrates, it pushes air molecules together, creating a compression. These particles then push against the neighboring particles so that the compression appears to be moving. Behind the compression is a region where the particles spread out. This region is called rarefaction. After the source has vibrated several times, it has created a series of compressions and rarefactions travelling away from it. Note: Sound waves can travel through any media (liquid, solid, gas) but not through vacuum. After the air has been sucked out from the bell jar, we cant hear the bell.

Measuring the speed of sound 1. Using echoes Stand 50m away from the large, blank wall and bang two pieces of wood together. Set up a rhythm of claps so that the echo comes exactly between two claps. Time 20 claps The sound wave travelled 2000m and so calculate the speed of sound using s/t

2. Using a resonance column and tuning fork A part of the resonance column is submerged in water The tuning fork is hit and places on the mouth of resonance column The column is moved up and down to alter the air column When the first loudest voice is heard, the length of air column is measured The water column is further lowered until the second loudest voice is heard The air column is then again measured Calculate the wavelength using 2(l2-l1) The frequency is noted from the tuning fork Using the formula v = f x wavelength, velocity is calculated.

3. Using an oscilloscope Frequency is recorded from the single generator. Vary the distances between the two microphones Observe the wave on the oscilloscope

 When the two waves are exactly above each other, measure the distance (wavelength) between the two microphones. Using the formula, v = f x wavelength, velocity is calculated. Reflection Angle of incidence = Angle of reflection Echo: A reflected sound wave Echo sounding (Sonar): Using echoes to discover the depth of water beneath them. Diffraction Sounds can be diffracted the same way as water waves. The wavelength of some sound waves is the same as the width of a doorway. These waves will still spread out as they pass through the door Pitch Small objects vibrate quickly and produce waves with a high frequency. The higher the frequency, the higher the pitch. Audible Range The spread of frequencies a person can hear is known as audible range. A person can usually hear between 2020,000Hz. Ultrasound: Sounds with frequencies greater than 20,000Hz. Infrasound: Sounds with frequencies lower than 20Hz. Loudness The higher the amplitude, the louder the sound. Khaing Thu Thu