Question 1: Define the term 'frequency' in relation to sound waves.

Answer: Frequency is the number of sound wave cycles that pass a point per second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Question 2: Explain how the properties of sound depend on the medium through which it travels.

Answer: The speed, wavelength, and amplitude of sound vary depending on the medium's density and elasticity; for example, sound travels faster in steel than in air.

Question 1: A sound wave has a frequency of 440 Hz and a wavelength of 0.78 meters. Calculate the speed of sound in the medium.

Answer: Speed = frequency × wavelength = 440 Hz × 0.78 m = 343.2 m/s

Question 2: If the speed of sound in air is approximately 343 m/s, what is the wavelength of a sound wave with a frequency of 686 Hz?

Answer: Wavelength = speed / frequency = 343 m/s / 686 Hz = 0.5 meters

Question 1: Describe an experiment to measure the speed of sound in air, including variables to control and safety precautions.

Answer: An experiment can involve using a loudspeaker and a microphone connected to a timing device. Students can produce a sound at a known frequency and measure the time taken for the sound to travel between two points. Variables to control include distance and environmental conditions. Safety precautions include avoiding loud volumes that could damage hearing and ensuring equipment is handled carefully.

Question 1: A student measures the speed of sound in water as 1482 m/s. Given that the frequency of the sound used was 2000 Hz, what is the wavelength of the sound in water?

Answer: Wavelength = speed / frequency = 1482 m/s / 2000 Hz = 0.741 meters

Question 1: Explain how the properties of sound are utilised in ultrasound imaging and discuss any safety considerations involved.

Answer: Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves that reflect off tissues to create images of internal organs. The properties of high frequency and short wavelength allow for detailed imaging. Safety considerations include controlling exposure time and ensuring the intensity of ultrasound waves is within safe limits to prevent tissue damage.

Question 1: Describe how sonar technology uses properties of sound to detect objects underwater, and explain the importance of wavelength and frequency in this application.

Answer: Sonar uses high-frequency sound waves transmitted into water; these waves reflect off objects and return as echoes. The properties of wavelength and frequency determine the resolution and range of detection. Shorter wavelengths provide better resolution, while higher frequencies improve detection accuracy but reduce range.