4 SOUND WAVES

4.1 Wave Motion: It is a form of disturbance which travels through a medium due to
the repeated periodic motion of the particles of the medium about their mean
positions.

Terms related to waves:

( 1 ) Wave velocity ( v ): The distance travelled by the wave in one second is called as
the velocity of the wave.

( 2 ) Period ( T ): The time required to complete one ( full wave ) oscillation is called
periodic time or period of the wave.

( 3 ) Frequency ( n ): The number of oscillations ( waves ) completed in one second is

called frequency. It’s SI unit is hertz ( Hz ).

( 4 ) Wavelength ( λ ): It is the length of one full wave. OR

The distance between two consecutive particles of the medium which are in the same
phase is called wavelength. It’s SI unit is metre.

( 5 ) Amplitude ( a ): The maximum displacement of the particle from its mean position
on either side is called as the amplitude of the wave.
wavelength
We have, velocity =
period

λ 1
v= But =n
T T

∴ v=nλ

This is the relation between velocity ( v ), frequency ( n ) and wavelength ( λ ).

Progressive waves: A wave which travels continuously in a medium in the same

direction without any change in its amplitude is known as the progressive wave.

The progressive wave may be transverse or longitudinal.

Types of waves:

There are two types of waves: 1 ) Longitudinal waves 2 ) Transverse waves

4.2 Characteristics of longitudinal waves:

1 ) Definition: The wave in which the direction of vibration of the medium particle is
parallel to the direction of propagation of the wave is called the longitudinal wave.
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2 ) The longitudinal wave travels in the form of alternate compression and rarefaction.

3 ) The distance between two successive compressions or rarefactions is called

wavelength.

4 ) Pressure and density of the medium are more at compression and less at
rarefaction.

5 ) The longitudinal wave travels through solids, liquids, and gases.

6 ) e.g. sound wave, oscillation in spring

4.2 Characteristics of transverse waves:

1 ) Definition: The wave in which the direction of vibration of medium particle is

perpendicular to the direction of propagation of wave is called transverse wave.

2 ) The transverse wave travels in the form of alternate crest and trough.

3 ) The distance between two successive crests or troughs is called wavelength.

4 ) Pressure and density of medium remains same.

5 ) Transverse wave travels through solids only.

6 ) e.g. light wave, radio wave, vibrations in strings

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4.2 Comparison between transverse waves and longitudinal waves:

Sr.No. Transverse waves Longitudinal waves

In transverse waves the particles of
the medium vibrate in a direction
1
perpendicular to the direction of
propagation of wave.
This wave travels in the form of
2
alternate crest and trough.
The distance between two
successive crests or troughs is called
3
wavelength.
In longitudinal wave the vibration of
the particles of the medium are in the
direction of wave propagation.
This wave travels in the form of
alternate compression and rarefaction.
The distance between two successive
compressions or rarefactions is called
wavelength.

Pressure and density of medium Pressure and density of medium

4
remains same. changes.
Transverse wave travels through Longitudinal wave travels through
5
solids only. solids, liquids and gases.
6 e.g. light wave, vibrations in strings e.g. sound wave

4.3 Free or natural vibrations: When an object is made to vibrate or oscillate freely on
its own, then such vibrations are called as free or natural vibrations. And the frequency
with which object vibrates freely is called natural frequency.

Examples: 1 ) Vibrations of tuning fork, 2 ) Concrete bridge vibrates with its own
natural frequency

4.3 Forced vibrations: When a body is forced to vibrate or oscillate with a frequency
of external vibrating source, then such vibrations are called forced vibrations.

Examples: 1 ) Vibrations of air column under vibrating tuning fork, 2 ) Vibrations of

loose mirror of motorcycle at different speeds

4.3 Resonance: It is defined as the phenomenon in which a body vibrates with a large
amplitude due to effect of forced frequency which is equal to the natural frequency of
the body.

Examples: 1 ) Musical instruments like the flute, harmonium works on the principle of
resonance.

2 ) A singer can break a glass with a high note of voice.

3 ) When we tune a radio receiver set, the frequency of radio waves received in the set
is adjusted equal to the natural frequency of the set.
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4 ) If two exactly tuned ‘ Tanpuras ‘ are kept side by side and if wire of one is plucked,
then the corresponding wire of the other Tanpura also starts vibrating even though it is
not actually plucked.

4.4 Velocity of sound by resonance tube method:

A metal tube of known diameter ‘D’ is immersed in water and kept at downmost
position. A tuning fork of known frequency ‘n’ is made to vibrate and held at the
mouth of the tube as shown in figure. The metal tube is adjusted ( by moving up ) such
that loud sound is heard. Fix the position of the tube where loud sound is heard and
record the length ‘l ’ of air column.
Formula for velocity of sound:

V = 4nL = 4n( l + 0.3D )

Where, v = velocity of sound,

n = frequency of tuning fork,

l = resonating length of air column,

( 0.3D ) = end correction,

L = ( l + 0.3D ) = corrected resonating length

Exercise theory questions:

1) Define i) wave motion ii) wave velocity iii) frequency iv) wavelength v) amplitude

2) Write characteristics of longitudinal waves.

3) Write characteristics of transverse waves.

4) Distinguish between longitudinal waves and transverse waves.

5) Define natural vibrations. Write two examples of it.

6) Define forced vibrations. Write two examples of it.

7) Define resonance. Write three examples of it.

8) Describe how to find velocity of sound by resonance tube method.

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