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

Answer: Amplitude is the maximum displacement of particles in a medium caused by a sound wave, related to its loudness.

Question 2: Explain how the frequency of a sound wave affects its pitch.

Answer: Higher frequency results in a higher pitch, while lower frequency produces a lower pitch.

Question 3: What is the typical range of human hearing in terms of frequency?

Answer: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

Question 4: Calculate the wavelength of a sound wave travelling at 340 m/s with a frequency of 1700 Hz.

Answer: wavelength = speed / frequency = 340 m/s ÷ 1700 Hz = 0.2 meters.

Question 5: Describe an experiment to investigate how the density of a medium affects the speed of sound.

Answer: Students can vary the density of different materials (e.g., air, water, aluminium) and measure the time taken for sound to travel a fixed distance using a sound source and receiver. Variables include medium density (independent), speed of sound (dependent), and temperature (controlled). Safety precautions involve handling equipment carefully to avoid damage and ensuring a quiet environment for accurate measurements.

Question 6: In a scenario where the speed of sound in steel is 5000 m/s, and the wavelength of a particular sound wave is 2 meters, what is its frequency?

Answer: frequency = speed / wavelength = 5000 m/s ÷ 2 m = 2500 Hz.

Question 7: Multiple Choice: Which property of sound determines its pitch?

Answer: Wavelength

Question 8: Fill in the blank: The loudness of a sound is primarily related to its __________.

Answer: amplitude

Question 9: Explain why sound travels faster in solids than in gases.

Answer: Sound travels faster in solids because particles are more tightly packed, allowing energy to transfer more efficiently through vibrations.

Question 10: Describe a real-world application where understanding sound properties is essential.

Answer: In ultrasound medical imaging, understanding sound properties allows technicians to use high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal body structures, aiding diagnosis without invasive procedures.