Q.1. Distinguish between loudness and intensity of sound.

Ans:

Loudness: It is the subjective perception of sound intensity by the ear and is measured in decibels
(dB). It is influenced by the ear’s sensitivity.

Intensity: It is the physical quantity of sound energy per unit area, measured in watts per square
meter (W/m²). Intensity is independent of the ear’s ability to hear and is determined by the energy
of the sound wave.

Q.2. What is sound and how is it produced?

Ans: Sound is a type of energy produced by vibrations that cause oscillations in a medium, which can
be a gas, solid, or liquid. These vibrations create waves that propagate through the medium,
allowing sound to be transmitted.

Q.3. Describe with the help of a diagram, how compressions and rarefactions are produced in air
near a source of sound.

Ans:

Compressions occur when air molecules are pushed together, creating areas of higher pressure.

Rarefactions occur when air molecules are spread apart, creating areas of lower pressure.

Q.4. Why is a sound wave called a longitudinal wave?

Ans: A sound wave is called a longitudinal wave because the particles of the medium vibrate parallel
to the direction of the wave’s propagation. This means that the compressions and rarefactions move
in the same direction as the wave travels.

Q.5. Differentiate between longitudinal and transverse waves.

Ans:

Property Longitudinal Wave Transverse Wave

Particles move parallel to the wave Particles move perpendicular to the wave
Particle Movement
direction. direction.

Polarization Cannot be polarized. Can be polarized.

Medium of Can travel through solids, liquids,

Composed of compressions and

Q.6. Define the terms:

Ans:
(a) Wavelength
Ans: Wavelength is the distance between two successive crests or troughs of a wave. It indicates the
length of one complete wave cycle and is measured in meters. The direction of the wavelength is the
same as the direction of the wave propagation.

(b) Frequency
Ans: Frequency is defined as the number of waves that pass a fixed point in a given amount of time.
It is measured in Hertz (Hz), where 1 Hz is equal to one wave passing per second.

Q.7. What is an echo? Name two areas of its application.

Ans: An echo is the reflection of sound waves that produces a repetition of sound. It occurs when
sound waves bounce off a surface and return to the listener, creating a lasting or far-reaching effect.

Applications of Echo:

1. Medical Field: Echo uses sound waves to create images of the heart’s chambers, valves, and
blood vessels (e.g., echocardiography).

2. SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging): Used in underwater navigation and detecting flaws
in metal objects.

Q.8. Why are sound waves called mechanical waves?

Ans: Sound waves are called mechanical waves because they require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas)
to propagate. Sound cannot travel through a vacuum, as it relies on the oscillation of matter
(particles of the medium) to transmit energy.

Q.9. What do you understand by loud and soft sounds?

Ans: Sound is a type of vibrating pressure transmitted in waves.

 Loud Sound: A sound is considered loud when it has a high amplitude, meaning the pressure
variation is significant, resulting in a stronger sound that can be easily heard from a distance.

 Soft Sound: A soft sound has a low amplitude, indicating that the pressure variation is
minimal, resulting in a quieter sound that may be difficult to hear over background noise.

Q.10. What do you understand by low-pitched and high-pitched sounds?

Ans:

 Low-Pitched Sound: Low-pitched sounds are associated with slower oscillations and lower
frequencies. These sounds are deep and resonate with a lower tone, such as a bass guitar or
a drum.

 High-Pitched Sound: High-pitched sounds have higher frequencies and complete a large
number of vibrations in a given time. They are sharp and clear, like a whistle or a flute. A
frequency of around 3000 Hz is considered high-pitched.

Q.11. How does the sound produced by a vibrating object in a medium reach your ear?

Ans: Sound waves produced by a vibrating object travel through a medium (like air) as compressions
and rarefactions. These waves enter the outer ear and pass through the ear canal to the eardrum.
When the sound waves strike the eardrum, it vibrates, allowing the sound to be heard.
Q.12. What are the wavelength, frequency, time period, and amplitude of a sound wave?

Ans:

 Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive identical points of the wave, such as
crests or troughs.

 Frequency is the number of vibrations or oscillations per second, indicating how quickly the
oscillations occur.

 Time period is the time taken to complete one vibration or oscillation, measured in seconds.

 Amplitude is the maximum displacement of particles from their rest position, indicating the
energy of the sound wave.

Q.13. Cite an experiment to show that sound needs a material medium for its propagation.

Ans:

The Bell-jar experiment demonstrates that sound requires a medium for propagation. An electric bell
is suspended inside an airtight bell jar connected to a vacuum pump. When the pump removes air
from the jar, the sound of the bell gradually becomes fainter until it is inaudible in a complete
vacuum, showing that sound cannot travel without a medium.