Definitions [23]
The wavelength of a sound wave is the spatial distance over which the wave's shape repeats. Because sound is a longitudinal wave, it is specifically defined as the distance between two consecutive points in the same phase of vibration.
Define sound ranging.
The process by which bats and dolphins detect the presence of an obstacle by hearing the echo of the sound produced by them is called sound ranging.
Define time period.
The time period of a particle executing S.H.M. is the time taken to complete one cycle and is denoted by T.
The linear distance between the two consecutive particles of a vibrating medium in the same phase is called its wavelength. It is denoted by the Greek letter lambda (λ).
The sound of frequency above 20,000 Hz is called ultrasonic.
The sound of frequency below 20 Hz is called infrasonic.
When a sound wave travels in a medium, the maximum displacement of the particle of the medium on either side of its mean position, is called the amplitude (a) of the wave.
The time taken by the particle of the medium to complete its one vibration, is called the time period (T) of the wave.
The number of vibrations made by the particle of the medium in one second, is called the frequency (j) of the wave.
The distance travelled by a wave in one time period of vibration of the particle of the medium, is called the wavelength (λ).
The distance travelled by the wave in one second is called the wave velocity (V).
If the vibrations of medium particles are along the direction of propagation of the wave, thus forming compressions and rarefactions in the medium, the wave is called a longitudinal wave.
If the medium particles vibrate normal to the direction of propagation of the wave, forming crests and troughs, the wave is called a transverse wave.
Our ears are sensitive only to a limited range of frequencies from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, which is called the audible range of frequency.
Define the following term:
Frequency
The frequency of a particle executing S.H.M. is equal to the number of oscillations completed in one second.
Define wavelength term in relation to a wave.
The distance travelled by the wave in one time period of vibration of a particle of medium is called its wavelength. It's S.I. unit is metre (m).
The sound heard after reflection from a rigid obstacle (such as cliff, a hillside, a wall of a building, edge of a forest etc.), is called an echo.
Define the term Frequency (as applied to sound waves)
The number of vibrations per second taken by a wave is called its frequency.
Define frequency term in relation to a wave.
The number of vibrations made by a particle of the medium in one second is called the frequency of the waves. It is also defined as the number of waves passing through a point in one second. It's S.I. unit is hertz (Hz).
Define amplitude term in relation to a wave.
The maximum displacement of the particle of medium on either side of its mean position is called the amplitude of the wave. Its S.I. unit is a meter (m).
The return of a sound wave on striking a surface such as wall, metal sheet, plywood etc. back in the same medium is called the reflection of sound wave.
Define wave velocity term in relation to a wave.
The distance travelled by a wave in one second is called its wave velocity. It's S.I. unit is metre per second (ms-1).
The sound heard after reflection from a distant obstacle (such as a cliff, a hillside, wall of a building, edge of a forest, etc.) after the original sound has ceased, is called an echo.
