SOUND

 OSCILLATORY MOTION
CONTENTS
(i) If a body in periodic motion moves along the
 Periodic motion same path to and fro about a definite point
 Oscillatory motion (equilibrium position), then the motion of the
body is a vibratory motion or oscillatory
 Introduction to wave motion motion
Note: Resultant force acting on the particle is
 Characteristic of wave motion zero in equilibrium condition.
 Classification of wave motion (ii) It is to be noted here that every oscillatory
motion is periodic but every periodic motion
 Terms used for defining wave is not oscillatory
motion
 INTRODUCTION TO WAVE MOTION
 Introduction to sound
 Production & propagation of sound Most of us have seen the formation of ripples

 Characteristic of sound when a small stone (pebble) is dropped into a

pond. The disturbances created by the stone in
 Reflection of sound the water produces ripples which move outwards
towards the shore of the pond.
 Audible, ultrasonic and infrasonic
If you examine the motion of a leaf floating near
waves the disturbance for a short while on a steady day,
 Ultrasound you would see that the leaf moves up and down
about its original position, but does not move
 Application of ultrasound
away or towards the source of disturbance. This
 Sonic boom indicates that the disturbance (such as a water
wave) moves from one place to another, but the
 Human ear
water is not carried with it. The water particles
simply move up and down their mean positions.
The formation of ripples on the surface of water
PERIODIC MOTION is an example of wave motion.
 Wave Motion : The movement of a
(i) When a body repeats its motion continuously disturbance produced in one part of a medium
on a definite path in a definite interval of time to another involving the transfer of energy but
then its motion is called periodic motion. not the transfer of matter is called wave
(ii) The constant interval of time after which the motion.
motion is repeated is called the 'Time period Examples :
of motion.' (T) (i) Formation of ripples on the water surface.
Example : Time period of hour hand is 12 (ii) Propagation of sound waves through air or
hours. any other material medium.
  CHARACTERISTICS OF WAVE MOTION upon the source and the waves travel with the
medium through which speed of light (3 × 108
The main characteristics of wave motion they travel. m/s) in vaccum. The
are described below : speed of an

In wave motion, the particles of the medium electromagnetic wave
vibrate about their mean positions. The in any material
particles of the medium do not move from medium is less than
one place to another. that in vaccum.

A wave motion travels at the same speed in
3. Mechanical waves are due (EMW) a
all directions in the given medium. The speed
to the vibrations of the electromagnetic
of a wave depends upon the nature of the
particles of the medium. waves are not due to
medium through which it travels.
vibration of medium

During a wave motion, energy is transferred
particles
from one point of the medium to another.
4. Mechanical waves may be Electromagnetic are
There is no transfer of matter through the
longitudinal or transverse transverse waves.
medium.
waves.
5. Example : Sound waves, Examples : Light
 CLASSIFICATION OF WAVE MOTION water waves, string waves waves, radio and TV
(A) On the Bases of Necessity of Medium are mechanical waves. waves, and X-rays are
Required electromagnetic
 MECHANICAL WAVES :
The wave which propagates only in a material (B) On the Basis of mode of Vibration of the
medium are called elastic or mechanical waves. Particle
Example : Sound waves, Water waves (ripples),  TRANSVERSE WAVES
Waves on stretched strings, Earthquake waves A wave in which the particles of the medium
and the Shock waves produced by a supersonic oscillate about their mean position in a
aircraft are mechanical (or elastic) waves. direction perpendicular to the direction of
 ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES : propagation of the wave is called a transverse
Wave which do not require any material medium wave.
for their propagation are called. electromagnetic Transverse waves can travel through solids
waves. and over the surface of liquids, but not
Example : Light waves, Radio waves, Television through gases.
waves, and X-rays are electromagnetic waves.
Thus, Light waves, Radio and Television waves, Examples : Following are the examples of
and X-rays can also travel through vaccum. transverse waves :
(i) The water waves (ripples) produced on the
Difference between Mechanical waves &
surface of water is transverse waves. In water
electromagnetic waves
waves, the molecules of water move up and
Mechanical waves Electromagnetic down from their mean positions.
waves (ii) A pulse on a slinky when it is given a jerk is a
1. Mechanical waves need a Electromagnetic transverse wave.
material medium for their waves do not need (iii) All electromagnetic waves, e.g., light waves,
propagation. These waves any material medium
cannot travel through for their propagation. radio waves etc., are transverse waves.
vacuum. These waves can (iv) The waves produced in a stretched string
travel through when plucked are transverse waves. When a
vacuum. string of sitar (a musical instrument) or guitar
2. Speed of mechanical (EMW) a
waves are low and depends electromagnetic
 is plucked, transverse waves are produced in medium is lesser than the normal density is
the string. called a rarefaction.


Graphical Representation : 
y-axis  Difference between Transverse &
Displacement

+ Crest Crest Crest Longitudinal Wave

0 Longitudinal Transverse waves
– Trough Trough
1 In a longitudinal In a transverse
Distance wave the particles wave, the particles
Displacement-distance graph for a transverse waves of the medium of the medium
oscillate along the oscillate in a
(a) Crest : The highest point on the hump in a
direction of direction
transverse wave is called a crest. Thus, the
propagation of the perpendicular to the
point of maximum positive displacement on a wave. direction of
transverse wave is called a crest. propagation of the
(b) Trough : The lowest point on the depression wave
in a transverse wave is called a trough. Thus, 2 Longitudinal Transverse waves
the point of maximum negative displacement waves can can propagate
on a transverse wave is called a trough. propagate through through solids, and
solids, liquids, as over the surface of
 LONGITUDINAL WAVES :
well as gases. liquids, but not
A wave in which the particle of the medium through gases.
oscillate (vibrate) to and fro about their mean
3 Longitudinal Transverse waves
position in the direction of propagation of the
waves consist of consist of crests
wave is called a longitudinal wave. compression and and troughs.
Longitudinal waves can be produced in any rarefactions.
medium, viz., in solids, liquids and in gases.
Example : TERMS USED FOR DEFINING WAVE
(i) Sound waves are longitudinal waves. MOTION
(ii) The waves produced in a spring (slinky) by  Wave Length : The distance between two
compressing a small portion of it and nearest points in a wave which are in the
releasing are longitudinal waves. same phase of vibration is called the wave

Graphical Representation : length. In simple words it is the length of one
complete wave. It is denoted by lambda, .
Y  Crest
C R C R C R C A

(a) Compression : The part of a longitudinal

Distance
wave in which the density of the particles of
the medium is higher than the normal density  Amplitude : The amplitude of a wave is the
is called a compression. magnitude of maximum displacement of the
(b) Rarefaction : The part of a longitudinal wave vibrating particles on the either side of their
in which the density of the particles of the mean position. It is denoted by the letter A
and its SI unit is metre (m).
  Time-Period : The time required to produce Ex. 1 If 50 waves are produced in 2 seconds, what
one complete wave (or cycle) is called time- is its frequency ?
period of the wave. Number of wave produced
Sol. Frequency,  =
Time taken
50
= = 25 Hz
 Frequency : The frequency of an oscillating 2
particle is the number of oscillations completed Ex. 2 A source produce 50 crests and 50 troughs in
in one second. The unit of frequency is hertz (or 0.5 second. Find the frequency.
Hz). The frequency of the wave is 1\T. It is Sol. 1 crest and 1 trough = 1 wave
generally represented by  (nu)  50 crests and 50 troughs = 50 waves
 Wave Velocity : The distance travelled by Number of wave
the wave in one second is called the wave Now, Frequency,  =
Time
velocity. It is represented by 'v' and its unit is 50
ms–1. = = 100 Hz
0.5
Phase : All the points on a wave which are in
the same state of vibration are said to be in
the same phase. Thus, in the wave shown in Ex. 3 Sound waves travel with a speed of 330 m/s.
fig. What is the wavelength of sound waves
B F J whose frequency is 550 Hz ?
A Sol. Given velocity, v = 330 m/s,
C v K
Frequency,  = 550 Hz
E G I
v 330
D H  wavelength, = = = 0.6 m
Direction of Propagation  550
(a) Points B, F and J are in the same phase – all
lie on the crests. Ex. 4 The wave length of sound emitted by a source
(b) Points D and H are in the same phase – both is 1.7 × 10–2 m. Calculate frequency of the
lie on the troughs. sound, if its velocity is 343.4 ms–1.
(c) Points A, E and I are in the same phase. All Sol. The relation ship between velocity, frequency
these points are just about to start their and wave length of a wave is given by the
vibration in the upward direction from their formula v =  × 
mean positions. Here, velocity, v = 343.4 ms–1
(d) Points C, G and K are in the same phase. All frequency  = ?
these points are just about to start their and wavelength, = 1.7 × 10–2 m
vibration in the downward direction from So, putting these values in the above formula,
their mean positions. we get :
–2
 343.4 =  × 1.7 × 10
 RELATION BETWEEN WAVE VELOCITY, 343.4
FREQUENCY AND WAVELENGTH FOR A =
1.7  10  2
PERIODIC WAVE.
343.4 10 2
distance covered = = 2.02 × 104 Hz
 wave velocity = 1.7
Time taken Thus, the frequency of sound is 2.02 × 104
wave length hertz.
=
Time taken
Ex. 5 A wave pulse on a string moves a distance of

or v= ...(1) 8m in 0.05 s.
T (i) Calculate the velocity of the pulse.
1 (ii) What would be the wavelength of the wave on
since  = , equation (1) can also be written as
T the same string, if its frequency is 200 Hz ?
v =  ...(2) Sol. (i) Velocity of the wave,
wave velocity = Frequency × wave length Dis tance covered 8m
v= = = 160 m/s
Time taken 0.05s
 (ii) Periodic wave has the same velocity as that of Sol.(i) Amplitude = Maximum displacement = 10
the wave pulse on the same string. cm
(ii) Wavelength  = Distance between two
v 160 m / s
 Wavelength,  = = = 0.8 m successive crests = 40 cm
 200 Hz
(iii) Now, frequency, n = 2 Hz
Thus, the wavelength of the wave is 0.8 m.
Wavelength,   = 40cm = 0.4 m
Ex. 6 A person has a hearing range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.  Wave velocity, v = v= 200 × 0.4 m/s
What are the typical wavelengths of sound = 80m/s
waves in air corresponding to these two Ex. 9 A stone is dropped into a well 44.1 m deep.
frequencies ? Take the speed of sound in air The sound of splash is heard 3.13 seconds
as 340 m/s. after the stone is dropped. Calculate the
Sol. Given : v1 = 20 Hz, V = 340 m/s velocity of sound in air.
v 340 Sol. First we calculate the time taken by the stone
 1 = = = 17 m to reach the water level by using the relation:
1 20
1 2
v2 = 20 kHz = 20,000 Hz, v = 340 m/s s = ut + gt
2
v 340
  = = = 1.7 × 10–2 m = 1.7cm Here s = 44.1 m, u = 0, g = 9.8 m/s2
2 20,000
1
  44.1 = 0 × t + × 9.8 × t2
 The typical wavelengths are 17 m and 1.7 cm. 2
44.1  2
Ex. 7 A longitudinal wave is produced on a toy or t2 = =9
9.8
string. The wave travels at a speed of 30 cm/s or t=3s
and the frequency of the wave is 20 Hz. What Time taken by the sound to reach the top of
is the minimum separation between the the well
t2 = 3.13 – 3 = 0.13 s
consecutive compressions of the string ?
Sol. Given, Velocity, v = 30 cm/s Now, speed of sound
Frequency, v = 20 Hz Distance 44.1 m
= = = 339.2 m/s
Minimum separation between the two Time 0.13 s
consecutive compressions is equal to one
wavelength and  INTRODUCTION TO SOUND
v 30 cm / s
= = = 1.5 cm   Sound is a form of energy that produces the
 20 Hz
sensation of hearing in our ears.
Ex.8 Wave of frequency 200 Hz produced in a Frequency range of audible sound for human
string is represented in figure. Find out the is between 20Hz to 20 KHz
following :
Sound need Material to Travel : You have
40 cm
B learnt in previous section that vibrations
10 cm produce sound. To produce vibrations, we
A C E G
need a material body. Therefore, we can say
that a medium is needed for sound to travel.
D
H Sound can travel through air (or gases),
(i) amplitude liquids and solids, but not through vacuum.
(ii) wavelength  Speed of Sound : The speed of sound is the
(iii) wave velocity rate at which sound travels from the sound
 producing body of our ears. The speed of
sound depends on the
(i) Nature of Material (or medium) through
C R C R
which it travels. Speed of sound in air is 344
m/s.
(ii) Temperature : As the temperature increases A vibrating object creating a series of
compression (C) and rarefactions (R) in the
the speed of sound in air increases. medium
(iii)Humidity of Air : Sound travel first in 
humid air.  SOUND AS A LONGITUDINAL WAVE
 The Time Gap between 'Seeing' and When a sound wave travels through the air, the
'Hearing' is due to the difference between the molecules in the air oscillate to and fro about
time taken by the light and the sound to travel their mean positions in the direction of
from the source to the observer. propagation of the sound wave. Therefore, Sound
The speed of light high 3 × 108 meters per waves are called longitudinal waves.
second (30 crore metres per second) and the The sound waves propagate in any material
speed of sound in the air under normal medium as a series of compressions or
conditions is 344 metres per second. So, the rarefactions.
light travels almost instantaneously, whereas
sound takes some time.  SOUND WAVE CAN BE STUDIED IN
 Sound Wave are Longitudinal Waves : TERMS OF PRESSURE AND DENSITY
Sound travels through air in the form of WITH DISTANCE AND TIME.
longitudinal waves. Pressure & density is high for the particle whose
amplitude is less, i.e. at compression state.

PRODUCTION & PROPAGATION OF SOUND

 CHARACTERISTIC OF SOUND

 Production of sound (A) LOUDNESS

Sound is produced when an object vibrates Loudness of a sound depends on the amplitude of
(moves back and forth rapidly). In other word, the vibration producing that sound. Greater is the
sound is produced by vibrations of objects. amplitude of vibration, louder is the sound
 Propagation of sound produced by it.
When an object vibrates (and makes sound), then
the air layers around it also start vibrating in The loudness of a sound also depends on the
exactly in the same way and carry sound waves quantity of air that is made to vibrate. Loudness
from the sound producing object to our ears. of sound is measured in decibel (dB) unit.
Transmission of sound requires a material
medium so it cannot travel through vacuum.


In laboratory a vibrating tuning fork is used for

producing sound. During vibration, the prong of
the tuning fork moves from one extreme position
to another about its mean position (the position
when it is at rest).
Let us now see what happens in the air near a
vibrating prong of a tuning fork.
 Sound dB Loudness
The more pleasant sound is said to be of rich
quality.
Rocket at take Dangerously
200 A sound of single frequency (called pure sound) is
off loud
called a tone.
Aircraft engine 100–200 Painfully loud
A tuning fork produces the sound of a single
Pneumatic drill 100 Very loud
frequency. The sound which is a mixture of
Heavy traffic 90 Very loud several frequencies is called an impure sound (or
Loud music 90 Very loud note) is pleasant to listen.
Ordinary Different instruments, depending on their shape
40-60 Moderate
coversation and size, produce different number of harmonics
Whisper 20 Faint of different relative loudness. As a result, the
Rustling of sound produced by an instrument can be
10 Very faint
leaves distinguished from that produced by other
 instruments.
(B) PITCH
The shrillness of a sound is called its pitch. The
pitch of a sound depends upon its frequency.  REFLECTION OF SOUND
Higher the frequency of a sound, higher is its
Sound waves like light waves also get
pitch.
reflected from plane and spherical surfaces.
The voice of a child or a woman has higher
frequency than the voice of a man. During reflection, sound waves obey the laws
 The faster is the vibration of the source of reflections. The reflection of sound from a
object, higher is the frequency and therefore hard surface can be observed by performing a
higher is the pitch. simple experiment on the equipment as
 Higher pitch of any sound corresponds to shown in fig.
larger number of compressions and
rarefactions passing a point per unit time. Hard board

Wave Low pitch

Distance High pitch A B

Watch
Ear
Wave shape
Reflection of sound from a hard surface
The stretched membrane of a tabla or mridangam
 Sound waves have much longer wavelength
produces sound of a higher frequency (or of
than the light waves. Therefore unlike light
higher pitch).
waves, sound waves do not need smooth
(C) QUALITY
surfaces for suffering reflection. That is why,
Quality of a sound is also called timbre. The
a brick wall, a wooden board, a row of trees,
quality of sound is the characteristic which
a hill etc. serve as the reflectors of sound
enable us to distinguish between the sounds
waves.
produced by different sources.
To have an appreciable reflection of sound
waves from any surface, it should have
 dimensions equal or larger than the The speed of sound increases with a rise in
wavelength of the sound waves falling on it. temperature. Therefore, the minimum
That is, a smaller object will not reflect the distance in air between the observer and the
obstacle for an echo to be heard clearly at
sound waves of larger wavelength.

temperatures higher than 25ºC is more than
ECHO 17.2 m. In rooms having walls less than 17.2
m away from each other, no echo can be
The sound returning back towards the source
heard.
after suffering reflection from a distance obstacle
(a wall, a row of building etc.) is called an echo.  REVERBERATION
When the sound is reflected repeatedly from a The repeated reflection that results in the
number of obstacles, more than one echoes, persistence of sound in a large hall is called
called multiple echoes are heard. Multiple echoes reverberation.
may be heard one after the other when sound gets
Curved ceiling
repeatedly reflected from distant high rise
buildings or hills. The rolling of thunder is an
example of multiple echo formation.

The two sounds–one direct and the other echo,

can be heard distinctly provided the distance
between the observer and the reflecting surface is Stage
large enough to allow the reflected sound to
reach him without interfering with the direct Excessive reverberation in any auditorium/hall is
sound. Since the sensation of sound persists for not desirable because the sound becomes blurred
1/10 second after it is produced, the echo can be and distorted. The reverberation can be
heard distinctly only if it reaches at least 1/10 minimised/reduced by covering the ceiling and
second after the original sound is produced. walls with sound absorbing materials, such as,
 Minimum distance between the observer fiber-board, rough plaster, draperies, perforted
and the obstacle for echo to be heard : cardboard sheets etc.
Let 
Distance between the observer and the  PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF MULTIPLE
obstacle = d REFLECTION OF SOUND
Speed of sound (in the medium) = v Some simple devices based on multiple reflection
Time after which echo is heard = t of sound are,
2d vt  Stethoscope
Then, t= or d =
v 2   Megaphone, Loudhailer, Horns
We know  Trumpet, Shehanais
Speed of sound in air at 25ºC = 343 ms–1  Curved ceiling of concert hall/conference
For an echo to be heard distinctly, hall/cinema hall
t 0.1 s  Soundboards
343ms 1  0.1s
Then d  Stethoscope : Stethoscope is a medical
2
diagnostic instrument based on multiple
or d 17.2 m
reflection of sound waves. This is used by
Thus, the minimum distance (in air at 25ºC)
doctors for listening to the sounds produced
between the observer and the obstacle for the
inside the body, particularly in the heart or lungs.
echo to be heard clearly should be 17.2 m.
 Source of sound

S
  Megaphone : Megaphone is a horn-
shaped tube. Megaphones are used for
addressing a small group of people.
Sounding board
Speaking tube is a hollow tube– one end is
the speaker's end, whereas the other one is the The sound board prevents the spreading out
listener's end. of the sound waves in different directions.
In these devices, the sound waves suffer Ex. 10 A girl hears the echo of his own voice from a
reflection repeatedly and the energy of the distance hill after 3 second. The speed of
waves remains confined to the tube. The
sound in air is 340 m/s. What is the distance
sound waves are prevented from spreading
of the hill from the girl ?
out.
Sol. Let d be the distance of the hill from the girl.
Total distance travelled by the sound in going
and coming back = 2d
Now,
Total dis tan ce travelled 2d
It is for this very reason that loudspeakers v= =
Time taken t
also have horn-shaped opening.
 Ear Trumpet (or Hearing Aid) : Ear 2d
  340 =
trumpet or hearing aid is used by the persons 3
who are hard of hearing. The sound waves  d = 510 m
received by the wide end of the trumpet are
reflected into a much narrower area, leading it  AUDIBLE, ULTRASONIC AND
to the ear. This increases amplitude of the INFRASONIC WAVES
vibrating air inside the ear and helps in
(a) Audible Wave :
improving hearing.
The human ear is sensitive to sound waves of
  Sound Boards and Curved Ceiling and frequency between 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This range
Walls in Large Halls : The arched ceiling is known as audible range and these waves are
and walls of large halls or auditorium often known as audible waves.
reflect the sound waves. These reflected Ex. Waves produced by vibrating sitar, guitar,
organ pipes, flutes, shehnai etc.
sound waves interfere with the words of the (b) Ultrasonic waves :
speaker. This problem is solved by hanging A longitudinal wave whose frequency is above
curtains, putting up screens or by using sound the upper limit of audible range i.e. 20 kHz, is
boards. A sound board is often a concave called ultrasonic wave. It is generated by very
small sources.
rigid surface. The speaker is located at the Ex. Quartz crystal
focus of the sound board placed behind the (c) Infrasonic wave :
speaker. The sound board the reflected sound A longitudinal elastic wave whose frequency is
waves parallel. This enable the sound to reach below the audible range i.e. 20 Hz, is called an
infrasonic wave. It is generally generated by a
large distances. large source.
Ex. Earthquake.
 ULTRA SOUND bones) reflect the sound waves differently to
produce many echoes. The machine uses
 The sound waves having frequency higher than these echoes to construct a picture on the
20,000 Hz is called ultrasonic waves or screen. Any deformity / infirmity in the baby
ultrasound. Human beings cannot hear can be detected and proper treatment could be
prescribed.
ultrasound. Dogs, bats and dolphins can hear This technology has been misused for
ultrasound. For example bats and dolphins can knowing the sex of the unborn baby. It has
hear sound waves having frequencies of about been noticed that many people force the
150,000 Hz. Bats and dolphins detect the would-be mother to have an abortion if the
presence of any obstacle by hearing the echo of unborn baby is identified to be a female baby.
This practice is unethical and a social crime.
the sound produced by them. Our Government has banned such practices.
Ultrasound finds many technological We all should work together to eradicate this
applications. social menace.
Characteristics of Ultra Sound : In echocardiography : In this medical
Ultrasound (or ultrasonic waves) are found very diagnostic technique, ultrasonic waves are
useful due to the following reasons : used to construct the image of the heart.
For determining the depth of sea : Ships
 Ultrasound (or ultrasonic) waves are high
use ultrasound to determine the depth of the
frequency sound waves. So these waves have
sea by echo-sounding method. A transmitter
short wavelength. These short wavelength on the ship sends ultrasound towards the sea-
sound waves can be reflected back from the bed and the receiver receives the echo. From
smaller objects. Thus, ultrasound can detect the time gap between the two signals, the
smaller objects (< 1 cm size). The sound depth of the sea can be estimated. This is
waves in the audible range cannot detect or illustrated below.
'see' objects smaller than having size ranging  For clearing hard to reach places :
from a few tens of centimeters to a few Ultrasonic waves are also used for clearing
hard to reach places, such as spiral tube, odd
metres.
shaped machine parts / components,
 Ultrasound beam is more directional and can electronic components etc. The object to be
be aimed towards any target just like a torch. cleaned is kept in the 'cleaning solution' and
These waves remain undeviated over long the solution is subjected to the ultrasonic
distances. waves. The high frequency (ultrasonic)
waves stir up the dust / dirt particles. These
 APPLICATIONS OF ULTRASOUND particles get detached and the object is

thoroughly cleaned.
Some important applications of ultrasound are  Bats fly in the darkness of night without
described below : colliding with other objects by the method of
 In ultrasonic spectacles for blind people : echolocation. Bats emit high frequency
Such a spectacle is fitted with a transmitter ultrasonic squeaks while flying and listen to
and a receiver. The receiver produces a high the echoes produced by the reflection of their
or low sound in the person's ear depending squeaks from the objects in their path. From
upon whether the object causing the echo is the time taken by the echo to be heard, bats
near or far. can judge the distance of the objects in their
 For medical use : Ultrasound is used to path and hence avoid it by changing the
detect any infirmity / deformity in the unborn direction. Bats search their prey at night by
baby (X-rays cannot be used for this purpose the method of echolocation.
because X-rays may harm the unborn baby).
In this method, an ultrasonic transmitter /
receiver is moved across the mother's
stomach. Different tissues (skin, muscles,
 sea, it is reflected back to the ship in the form of
an echo. This echo produces and electrical signal
in the receiver part of the sonar device. The sonar
device measures the time taken by the ultrasonic
sound pulse to travel from the ship to the bottom
Echo of the sea and back to the ship. Half of this time
gives the time taken by the ultrasonic to travel
Ultrasonic
Bat from the ship to the bottom of the sea.
squeak Prey d = Depth of sea
(Flying insect) v = Velocity of sound in sea water
 t = time recorded by the recorder
SONAR : 2d
The word 'SONAR' stands for v
t
Sound Navigation and Ranging.
(A) Principle of Sonar : Sonar is an apparatus Ex.11 The ultrasonic waves take 4 seconds to travel
which is used to find the depth of a sea or to from the ship to the bottom of the sea and
locate the under water things like shoals of fish, back to the ship. What is the depth of the sea
enemy submarines etc. Sonar works by sending
short bursts of ultrasonic sound from a ship down ? (Speed of sound in water = 1500 m/s.)
into sea water and then gets echo produced by Sol. The time taken by the ultrasonic sound waves
the reflection of ultrasonic sound from under- to travel from the ship to the sea-bed and
water objects like bottom of sea, shoal of fish, a back to the ship is 4 seconds. So, the time
submarine. taken by the ultrasonic sound to travel from
(B) Working of Sonar :
the ship to sea-bed will be half of this time,
4
which is  2 seconds. This means that the
Ship 2
sound takes 2 seconds to travel from the ship
Water to the bottom of the sea
sonar
dis tan ce
Now, Speed 
Transmitter Receiver Time
Dis tan ce
Ultra sound Reflected ultra So, 1500 
pulse sound pulse 2
And, Distance = 1500 × 2m = 3000m
Bottom of sea
Ex.12 A submarine emits a sonar pulse which
returns from the underwater cliff in 1.02 s. If
(i) A transmitter (for emitting ultrasonic waves) the speed of sound in salt water is 1531 ms–1,
and (ii) a receiver (for detecting ultrasonic how far away is the cliff ?
waves). Now suppose a sonar device is attached Sol. Given : Speed of sonar pulse, V = 1531 ms–1,
to the under-side of a ship and we want to Time interval of return journey of the pulse,
measure the depth of sea (below the ship). To do t = 1.02s
this the transmitter of sonar is made to emit a Let the distance of the underwater cliff be S.
pulse of ultrasonic sound with a very high For distance S of the cliff, the pulse travels a
frequency of about 50,000 hertz. This pulse of total distance of 2S in return journey.
ultrasonic sound travels down in the sea-water From relation, distance = speed × time
towards the bottom of the sea. When the 2S = vt
ultrasonic sound pulse strikes the bottom of the
 vt The shock waves produced by supersonic aircraft
We have, S
2 have enough energy to shatter glass and even
damage weak structure.
1531ms 1  1.02s
S A
2
S = 780.8 m

REASON FOR USING ULTRASONIC

WAVES IN SONAR O
(i) Ultrasonic waves have a very high frequency
due to which they can penetrate deep in sea
water without being absorbed.
(ii) Ultra sonic waves cannot be confused with B man
the noise, such as the voice of engines of
ship. It is because the ultrasonic waves are
not perceived by human ear.  THE HUMAN EAR

 SONIC BOOM (a) Structure of human ear :


When a body moves with a speed which is The ear consists of three compartments : outer
ear, middle ear and inner ear.
greater than the speed of sound in air, it is said to
The part of ear which we see outside the head is
be travelling at supersonic speed jet fighters,
called outer ear. The outer ears consists of broad
bullets, etc, often travel at supersonic speed, and
part called pinna and about 2 to 3 centimeters
when they do so, they produce a sharp, loud long passage called ear canal. At the end of ear
sound called a sonic boom. canal there is a thin, elastic and circular
The source moves at a speed greater than that of membrane called ear-drum. The ear-drum is also
sound, sound waves travelling at the speed of called tympanum. The outer ear contains air. The
sound, are left behind. The high-pressure layers middle ear contains three small and delicate bones
due to sound waves originating at different points called hammer, anvil and stirrup. These ear bones
bunch together as shown in figure. Actually, are linked to one another. One end of the bone
these layers fall on the surface of an imaginary called hammer is touching the ear-drum and its
cone of which OA, OB is a part. The total other end is connected to the second bone called
pressure on the surface of this cone is very high. anvil. The other end of anvil is connected to the
The source is at the apex of this cone. As the third bone called stirrup and the free end of stirrup
source moves ahead, it drags the cone together is held against the membrane over the oval
with it. when the surface of the cone reaches a window of inner ear. The middle ear also contains
person, the ears experience a sudden increase in air. The lower part of middle ear has narrow tube
pressure. After the surface crosses him, the called 'eustachian tube' going to the throat.
pressure is suddenly reduced. This causes the Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to throats
person to hear a sharp, loud sound-the sonic and ensures that the air pressure inside the middle
boom. ear is the same as that on the outside
A region consisting of a very-high-pressure layer
followed by a lower-pressure layer travels
through the space together with the cone. This is
called a shock wave. This shock wave gives rise
to the sonic boom when it reaches a person.
 Three tiny ear bones through the auditory canal. When the sound
Pinna Hammar Anvil Stirrup waves strike the eardrum, (tympanic membrane) it
starts vibrating. These vibrations are passed on to
Auditory the oval window by three bones (called the
Sound nerve
waves (Goes to hammer, anvil and stirrup) which act as a lever
Ear Ear
enter brain) with the pivot at point P. They magnify the force
canal drum
here of the vibrations.
Eustachian tube Oval Cochlea
window The oval window has a smaller area than the
(Goes to threat)
eardrum. So, this increase pressure on the oval
window and on the liquid in the cochlea.
Outer ear Middle ear inner ear
The vibrations of the liquid in the cochlea affect
thousands of auditory nerves which send message
The inner ear has a coiled tube called cochlea. to the brain.
One side of cochlea is connected to the middle ear Our ears are very delicate and fragile organs.
through the elastic membrane over the oval Proper care must be taken to keep them in healthy
window. The cochlea is filled with a liquid. The state.
liquid present in cochlea contains nerve cells Some suggestions to keep the ears healthy are
which are sensitive to sound. The other side of given below :
cochlea is connected to auditory nerve which goes  Never insert any pointed object into the ear. It
into the brain. can damage the eardrum and make a person
deaf.
(b)
Working of human ear :  Never shout loudly into someone's ear.
Sound waves from outside are collected by the  Never hit anyone hard on his / her ear.
outer ear (called pinna) and reach the eardrum

EXERCISE # 1
Q.9 When a wire of sitar is plucked, what type of
AVery Short Answer Type Questions waves are produced in (i) the wire and
(ii) air ?
Q.1 At what position the velocity of the bob of an Q.10 What is the relation between time period and
oscillating simple pendulum is maximum and frequency.
where is it minimum ?
Q.2 What is transferred by wave motion from one BShort Answer Type Questions
point to the other– matter or energy ?
Q.11 Why does the motion of a simple pendulum
Q.3 What are the SI units of wavelength and stop?
frequency of a wave ?
Q.12 Can two persons hear each other on moon ?
Q.4 Define velocity of a wave. Explain with reason.
Q.5 What is the separation between two Q.13 A ship sends a signal and receives it back
successive crests and troughs ? from a submarine after 5s. Speed of sound in
water is 1450 m/s. Calculate distance of
Q.6 What is the speed of electromagnetic waves? submarine from the ship.
Q.7 A simple pendulum completes 20 oscillations Q.14 What are ultrasonic waves and infrasonic
in 10 seconds. Calculate its time period. waves?
Q.8 If the distance between the two extreme Q.15 Explain working of a sonar.
positions of a simple pendulum is 3 cm, what
is its amplitude ? Q.16 Explain industrial uses of ultrasonic waves.
Q.17 On what principle does a megaphone works?
 Q.25 If the period of small ripples on water is 0.1 s
Q.18 What type of scans are used these days to see and their wavelength is 5 cm, what is the
the developing baby in the uterus ? speed of the waves ?
Q.19 A worker lives at a distance of 1.32 km from Q.26 Longitudinal waves travel in a coiled spring at a
the factory. If the speed of sound in air be 330
m/s, how much time will the sound of factory rate of 4 ms–1. The distance between two
siren take to reach the worker ? consecutive compressions is 20 cm. Find (i) the
wave length and (ii) frequency of the wave.
Q.20 The flash of a gun is seen by man 3 seconds
before the sound is heard. Calculate the
distance of the gun from the man (speed of CLong Answer Type Questions
sound in air is 332 m/s). Q.27 Define transverse waves and longitudinal
Q.21 State the general name of the waves in which waves. State the main difference between
the particles of the medium vibrate : them.
(i) in the same direction as wave.
(ii) at right angles to the direction of wave. Q.28 What is sound ? What is the cause of every
sound ? Give some examples of sources
Q.22 Calculate the wavelength of an ultrasonic producing sound.
wave of frequency 105 Hz. The velocity of
Q.29 What do you mean by reflection of sound ?
sound is 330 m/s.
Briefly explain some applications of
Q.23 Two sound waves in air have wavelengths reflection of sound.
ratio 1 : 3. Find their frequency ratio.
Q.30 Define the following terms : wavelength, time
Q.24 The wavelength of a sound wave is 66 m. period, frequency and velocity of a wave.
Calculate the frequency of the wave if the
velocity of sound is 330 m/s, would this .
sound be audible to the human ear ?

EXERCISE # 2

Single correct answer type questions

Q.5 The unit of quantity on which pitch of the
Q.1 A sound wave travels from east to west, in sound depends is–
which direction do the particles of air move– (A) Hertz (B) metre
(A) East-west (B) North-south (C) metre/second (D) second
(C) Up and down (D) None of these
Q.6 The unit of quantity on which loudness of
Q.2 In which medium sound travels faster– sound depends is–
(A) solid (B) liquid (A) metre (B) Hertz
(C) gas (D) none of these (C) metre/second (D) second

Q.3 What is the name of short duration wave– Q.7 Nature of sound wave is–
(A) Pulse (B) Frequency (A) transverse (B) longitudinal
(C) Time period (D) Velocity (C) electromagnetic (D) seismve

Q.4 What is the velocity of sound in water at Q.8 Pitch of high frequency sound is–
room temperature– (A) high (B) low
(A) 1500 m/s (B) 330 m/s (C) zero (D) infinite
(C) 1500 km/s (D) 330 km/s
Q.9 Voice of a friend is recognised by its– Q.19 Infrasonic frequency range is–
(A) pitch (B) quality (A) below 20 Hz (B) 20 Hz to 20 kHz
(C) intensity (D) velocity (C) Above 20 kHz (D) No limit

Q.10 Sound waves in air are– Q.20 Ultrasonic frequency range is–
(A) longitudinal waves (A) below 20 Hz (B) 20 Hz to 20 kHz
(B) Radio waves (C) Above 20 kHz (D) No limit
(C) Transverse waves Q.21 The speed of sound in air at constant
(D) Electromagnetic waves
temperature–
(A) Decreases with increase of pressure
Q.11 Sound waves can not pass through–
(A) A solid liquid mixture (B) Increases with increase of pressure
(B) A liquid gas mixture (C) Remains the same with the increase in
(C) An ideal gas pressure
(D) A perfect vaccum (D) None of these

Q.12 A periodic wave is characterized by– Q.22 The frequency of sound waves in water is –
(A) Phase only (B) Wavelength only (A) Same as that of frequency of source
(C) Frequency only (D) All the above
(B) Less than frequency of source
Q.13 The speed of sound is maximum in– (C) More than frequency of source
(A) Air (B) Hydrogen (D) None
(C) Water (D) Iron
Q.23 The equipment (device) used for locating the
Q.14 When sound waves travelling in air enter into
position and distance of an object inside sea,
the medium of water, the quantity which
remains unchanged is– using ultrasound is called–
(A) Wavelength (B) Velocity (A) Pukar (B) Upkar
(C) Frequency (D) None (C) Radar (D) Sonar

Q.15 For the echo of the last syllable of the speech Q.24 Human ear can hear–
to be heard the least distance of the reflector (A) audible sound (B) infra sound
must be (approximately)– (C) ultra sound (D) all the above
(A) 22 metre (B) 32 metre
(C) 110 metre (D) 340 metre
Q.25 A sonar echo takes 4.4s to return from a
Q.16 During summer, an echo is heard– submarine. If the speed of sound in water is
(A) Sooner than during winter 1500 ms–1, then the distance of submarine
(B) Later than during winter from the sonar is-
(C) After same time as in winter (A) 1500 m (B) 3000 m
(D) Rarely (C) 3300 m (D) 3600 m

Q.17 The velocity of sound in air at 30°C is Q.26 The eardrum is a–

approximately– (A) bone (B) coiled tube
(A) 332 ms–1 (B) 350 ms–1
–1 (C) stretched membrane (D) fluid
(C) 530 ms (D) 332 kms–1

Q.18 With the rise of temperature, the velocity of Q.27 The part of the ear, that is filled with a liquid
sound– is the –
(A) Decreases (A) cochlea (B) ear canal
(B) Increases (C) anril (D) hammer
(C) Remains the same
(D) Is independent of temperature
Q.28 A fishing boat sonar detects a shoal of fish 190 m (A) 0.25 s (B) 0.50 s
below it. How much time elapsed between (C) 0.75 s (D) 1.0 s
sending the ultra sonic signal which detected the
fish and receiving the signals echo ? (speed of
sound in sea water is 1519 ms–1)–

ANSWER KEY

EXERCISE-2
Ques 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans A A A A A A B A B A D D D C A
Ques 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Ans A B B A C C A D A C C A A