Sound Definition: Overview, Questions, Preparation

Sound is a vibration produced by the mechanical waves of pressure in matter and displacement. Whenever an object vibrates, a sound is produced. Waves can produce sound through solid, liquid, and gaseous states. The perfect sound ranges between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. Sounds with a frequency of more than 20 kHz is popularly known as ultrasound.

The to-and-fro movement of the particles in the matter causes the sounds we hear. The to-and-fro movement itself is vibration. Sound can contract and expand depending on the air particles and movement.

The medium of waves is responsible for a sound, and it is vital for sound to travel. The sound was first measured by Sir Isaac Newton. He believed that it was equal to the under root of the ratio of pressure and density. However, this was proved wrong by a French physicist Pierre Simon Laplace. 

Sound has different properties related to different mediums. These properties are explained in detail below:

1. Pitch – Pitch is the frequency of the sound. It can be measured as high and low. The right pitch can be measured by its frequency and cyclic vibrations and the balance between both. The pitch of women's voices is higher than that of men.
2. Duration – The duration of a sound can be measured as long and short, and it is determined based on when the first sound was heard in the instrument. It can sometimes be confused with a noisy environment. For example, in radio frequency, it seems like the sound is continuous, but in actuality, the sound produced is distorted and not continuous.
3. Loudness – Loudness can be measured in decibels. The higher the decibel level, the louder the voice and vice versa. A soft voice is a relief, loud noise can cause pollution and is hard on the ear. A note in music lasts less than a second or almost a second, whereas a symphony may last up to an hour or more.
4. Timbre – The quality of the sound is called timbre. Timbre refers to the distinguishable characteristics of a tone. For example, the thud of a rock, the melody of a musical instrument, the whir of a drill, and humans shouting can help determine sound quality. A musical instrument's symphony will be considered the best quality, whereas the sound of shouting, whirring, and thudding will irritate.

The chapter sound is one of the most important chapters in physics, but it only carries a weightage of 3 marks. It includes only one question for three marks. 

1. Explain one property of sound.

Pitch is the frequency of the sound. It can be measured as high and low. The right pitch can be measured by its frequency and cyclic vibrations.

2. Explain the Duration parameter for sound.

The duration of a sound is determined based on when the first sound was heard in the instrument.

 3. Explain how waves play a role in sound.

The medium of waves is responsible for sound, and it is important for sound travel.

Q: Through which states can sound be produced?

A: Sounds can be produced through solid, liquid, and gaseous states.

Q: What's the perfect range of sound?

A: The perfect sound ranges between 20 Hz and 20 kHz.

Q: What's the range of ultrasound?

A: A sound that has more than 20 kHz of frequency is popularly known as ultrasound.

Q: What is the medium of sound?

A: The medium of waves is responsible for the sound, and it is important for sound travel.

Q: The expansion of sound is dependent upon which factors?

A: Sound can contract and expand depending on the air particles and movement.