Question

Explain why, if we strike a table lightly, we hear a soft sound but if we hit the table hard, a loud sound is heard.

Answer 1

If we strike a table lightly, by applying less energy, the table top vibrates with small amplitude and hence a soft sound is produced. However, if we hit the table hard, by applying greater energy, the table top vibrates with larger amplitude and hence a loud sound is produced, because the amplitude of sound depends on the force with which an object is made to vibrate and finally results in greater loudness.