1

1. SOUND WAVES
Oscillation
Oscillation is a periodic motion in which an object moves to and fro at
regular intervals about its equilibrium position.
Examples: [Link] motion of a clock's pendulum
The figure shows the oscillation of a ball tied to a string.
An oscillation is completed when the oscillating body returns to its
initial position in the same direction from where it started.
In the oscillation shown in the figure, one complete oscillation occurs when
the object moves from O to A, then to B, and returns to O.
Amplitude (a)
Amplitude is the maximum displacement of the object from its equilibrium position. Its SI
unit is metre (m). In the figure, distances OA and OB represent amplitudes.
Period (T):The time taken to complete one oscillation is called the period.
Frequency (f)
The number of oscillations per second is the frequency. Its SI unit is hertz (Hz).
Frequency is calculated using the formula:f = n / t,
where n is the number of oscillations and t is the total time taken.

Experiment to find frequency of a Simple pendulum.

A simple pendulum consists of a mass (bob) attached to a fixed
point by a string , free to swing back and forth.
The length of a pendulum is the distance from the point of suspension to
the centre of the bob.
Procedure: Measure the time (t) for a certain number of oscillations (n)
using a stopwatch. Then, calculate the frequency using the formula.
Frequency,f = n/t
When length of a pendulum increases, frequency decreases.
Period is the reciprocal of frequency.

f = 1/T

??.The frequency of a simple pendulum with a length of 50 cm is 0.7 Hz.

a. Find its period.
b. If the length is reduced to 30 cm, which of the following is likely to be its frequency?
(0.5 Hz, 0.7 Hz, 0.9 Hz)

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Ans.a. Period,T = 1/f = 1/0.7 = 1.4 s

b. 0.9 Hz. Because frequency increases when length decreases.
??. A simple pendulum with a length of 60 cm takes 16 s for 10 oscillations. If its length is increased
to 80 cm, it takes ....... for 10 oscillations. (more than 16 s ‍/ less than 16 s /16 s )
Ans. more than 16 s. [When length increases period period also increases]
Natural Frequency
Natural frequency is the frequency at which an object oscillates when
allowed to do so freely.
Every object has its own definite natural frequency.
The number marked on the stem of a tuning fork represents its natural frequency.
The natural frequency of an object depends on its length, size, elasticity
and the nature of the material.
This is why tuning forks in a set come in different sizes.
??. A tuning fork is tapped gently and then strongly. Compare the frequencies of oscillation in each
case.
Ans. In each case, it vibrates at its natural frequency (i.e., the same frequency).
However, when tapped gently, it vibrates with a small amplitude, whereas when tapped strongly, it
vibrates with a large amplitude.
Forced vibration
Forced vibration is the vibration of an object induced by an external vibrating object.
During forced vibration, the object vibrates with the natural
frequency of the inducing object.
For example, when an excited tuning fork with a natural
frequency of 512 Hz is gently touched to a glass tumbler, the
tumbler vibrates at 512 Hz, the natural frequency of the tuning
fork.
Resonance
When the natural frequency of the forcing object and that of the forced object are equal,
the objects are said to be in resonance. During resonance, the forced object vibrates with
maximum amplitude.
Resonance - Experiment.1
Four pieces of hacksaw blades are fixed between two wooden blocks.
Since the length of A and C are equal, their natural frequencies are
equal. Similarly the natural frequencies of B and D are also equal.

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Procedure of the experiment.

When hacksaw blade A is excited, blades B, C, and D undergo forced vibration. Since A and C have
the same natural frequency, they resonate, causing C to vibrate with a large amplitude.

After bringing all blades to rest, excite B. Then B and D resonate, making D vibrate with a large
amplitude.

Resonance - Experiment.2
Required materials‍: A piece of 1½" PVC pipe with 50 cm length, a tuning fork, a beaker and water.
Procedure of the experiment.:Immerse the pipe in water as shown
and bring an excited tuning fork near its mouth. Gradually raise the
pipe while listening to the sound. At a certain position, a louder sound
is heard. As the pipe rises, the length of the air column inside the pipe
and its natural frequency change. When the natural frequency of the
air column matches that of the tuning fork, resonance occurs, causing
the air column to vibrate with a large amplitude, producing the louder
sound.
Forced vibration and resonance are used in MRI scanner, radio tuner, stethoscope, hone, musical
instrument such as guitar, veena and violin.

??. See the figure.

a. Which of the simple pendulums have the same natural frequency?
b. If pendulum 1 is set into oscillation, which pendulum(s) will oscillate with
the same natural frequency as pendulum 1?
(Only 2 / Only 3 / 2 & 3)
c. Which pendulum will oscillate with the highest amplitude?
d. What is the phenomenon called when vibration occurs with such a high
amplitude?
Ans.a. 1 and 3 b. 2 and 3 c. Pendulam.3 d. Resonance
??. Give a few examples for devices that uses resonance.
Ans. Hone, stethoscope, Violin.
Wave motion
The continuous propagation of energy from one part to the other parts through
oscillations is called wave motion.
When energy is transmitted through a medium in this mode, the particles of the medium do not
undergo net displacement. Instead, they vibrate while staying in their positions.
Light, seismic waves, sound, ripples on the surface of water etc are the examples of waves.

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Electromagnetic waves
Light, X Rays, Radio waves, Infra red rays, gamma rays etc. are electromagnetic waves. These
waves do not require any medium for transmission.
Mechanical Waves
The waves that require a medium for transmission are mechanical waves.
Examples: Sound, Seismic wave
Waves are classified into Longitudinal Waves and Transverse Waves.
1. Longitudinal Waves
Longitudinal waves are those in which the particles in the medium vibrate parallel to the
direction of propagation of the wave.
When a few turns of a straight slinky are compressed and released, the transmission of a longitudinal
wave along the slinky can be observed.

It is noted that the waves propagate along the slinky, whereas the coils vibrate to and fro, parallel to
the direction of transmission of the wave.
When a longitudinal wave propagates through a medium, it creates alternating high-
pressure regions (compressions, C) and low-pressure regions (rarefactions, R)
Sound travels as a longitudinal wave.
2. Transverse Waves
When the particles of a medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of propagation of
the wave they are called transverse waves.
When a twine tied to the nails, as shown, is tapped up and down continuously, a wave pattern forms.
The waves travel horizontally along the twine, while the twine, the medium, vibrates perpendicular to
the direction of propagation

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The elevated portions above the equilibrium position in a transverse wave are called crests, while the
lowest portions are called troughs.
All electromagnetic waves are transverse waves.

??. A wave formed in a slinky is seen in the figure.

a. What kind of wave is this?

b. What do the points A and B represent?
c. Give a few examples for these kinds of waves?
Ans.a. Transverse wave b. A and B are troughs.
c. radio waves, light, water waves.

Characteristics of Waves
1. Amplitude(a): The maximum displacement of the
particles of the medium from equilibrium position is
amplitude.
2. Period (T):It is the time taken to complete one
vibration of the particle. OR It is the time taken to
complete one cycle.
The amplitude and period of the wave shown in the
figure are 5 cm and 2 second respectively.
3. Frequency (f):
The frequency of a wave is the number of cycles that passes through a point in one second.
Frequency (f) = n/t = 1/T
The frequency of the wave shown in the figure is, f = 2/4 = 0.5 Hz.

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4. Wavelength ( λ ): Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive particles which are in the
same phase of vibration.
In this wave, (A, E), (O, D), (B, F), and (C, G) are
the pairs of consecutive particles in the same phase
of vibration.
Therefore, the distances AE, OD, BF, and CG
represent the wavelength of the wave.
In transverse the distance between two consecutive crests or the distance between two consecutive
trough represent the wavelength. But in longitudinal waves, the distance between two consecutive
compressions(C) or the distance between two consecutive rarefactions(R) is the wavelength.

5. Speed of Wave (v)

Speed of a wave is the distance travelled by the wave in one second. Unit of the speed is m/s.
The speed of a wave is the product of its frequency and wavelength.

v = fλ

??. The period of a wave is 0.1 s and its wavelength is 20 cm. Find the frequency and speed of the
wave.
Ans. Frequency, f = 1/T = 1/0.1 = 10 Hz
λ = 20 cm = 0.2 m

Speed , v = 10x0.2 = 2 m/s

??. Seismic waves are generated by earthquakes. If the distance from one compression to the next
rarefaction in a seismic wave is 250 m and its speed is 10 km/s, what is its frequency?
Ans. v = 10 km/s = 10000 m/s & λ = 2x250 = 500m

Frequency, f = v/λ = 10000/500 = 20 Hz

??. Find the wrong relation from the following.

a. λ = v/f b. v = fλ c. λ = f/v d. f = v/λ Ans. c. λ = f/v

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Reflection of sound
Sound can reflect off a surface where it strikes. Polished surfaces reflect sound better than rough
surfaces. The reflection of sound has both
advantages and disadvantages. Soundboards and
curved ceilings in halls are examples of using sound
reflection. These arrangements help reflect sound
(speech, music, etc.) from the source and distribute
it throughout the hall.

Multiple reflection of sound

It is the repeated reflection of sound.
Reverberation
Reverberation is the lingering (persistence) of sound caused by multiple reflections from
various surfaces, and the boom fades away gradually.
It is to reduce the discomfort of reverberation that the walls of halls and cinema theatres are made
rough.

Persistence of Hearing
Persistence of hearing is the characteristic of the auditory experience where a sound remains in our
ear for about 1/10 of a second.
Due to this,we can't differentiate between two sounds that reach our ear within a time interval of 0.1 s
Echo
An echo is the sound heard after a short while due to the reflection of the original
sound.
As the speed of sound in air is 350 m/s, an echo is heard if the reflecting surface is more than 17.5 m
from the source. This minimum distance is about 74 m in water.
Because the distances to the walls and ceiling are less than 17.5 m, an echo is not heard in small
rooms.
Limit of audibility
Only sounds with frequencies between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz are audible to humans. This range is
known as the audible limit.

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Infrasonic sound and Ultrasonic sound

The sound with a frequency less than 20 Hz is called infrasonic and that with frequency more than
20000 Hz is Ultra sonic.
Dogs and bats can hear ultrasonic sounds. The Galton whistle, used for training dogs, produces
ultrasonic sound. Bats use ultrasonic sound to navigate in darkness and hunt prey.
Uses of Ultrasonic sound‍.
1. Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography is the technology of capturing images of internal organs by sending ultrasonic sound
into the body and analysing its reflections. It is used for diagnosis and detecting the presence of
tumours.
2. It is also used to crush kidney stones and in physiotherapy.
3. Ultrasonic sound is used to clean pipes, electronic components, and machine parts that cannot be
cleaned with brushes.
4. Ultrasonic sound is used in SONAR, which is a device that measures ocean depth and detects
underwater objects.
??. Audible limit of humans is 20 Hz to 20000 Hz. What is the limit of audible wavelength?
[Speed of sound in air = 350 m/s]
Ans. Lower limit of frequency f1= 20 Hz Upper limit of wavelength λ1= v/f1 = 350/20 = 17.5 m
Upper limit of frequency f2= 20000 Hz Lower limit of wavelength λ2= v/f2 = 350/20000 = 0.02 m
That is, the limit of audible wavelength is from 2 cm to 17.5 m
??. The wavelength of a sound wave is 1.1 m. Is this sound audible to dogs? Justify your answer.
[Speed of sound in air = 330 m/s]
Ans. λ = 1.1 cm = 0.011 m

Frequency of the sound ,f = v/λ = 330/0.011 = 30000 Hz.

Since it is ultrasonic sound, dogs can hear this sound.

Seismic Waves and Tsunami
Seismic waves are those which travel through the Earth's crust as a result of earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions. The study of seismic waves is called seismology.
Richter scale is used to determine the intensity of earthquakes.
A tsunami is a series of gigantic water waves formed due to an earthquake in or near the sea.
Unlike rain and storms, earthquakes cannot be predicted. As a result, they often cause high casualties.
To reduce their impact the following can be done:
i. Earthquake preparedness should be included in educational content.
ii. People should be educated on safety measures.
iii. Buildings should be constructed to withstand earthquakes.

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TEXT BOOK QUESTIONS

1. The frequency of a simple pendulum is 1 Hz. What is its period?
Ans. Period, T = 1/f = 1/1 = 1 s
[Link] a pendulum takes 0.5 s to complete one oscillation, what is its frequency?
Ans Time taken for one oscillation = T = 0.5 s
Frequency, f = 1/T = 1/0.5 = 2 Hz
3. A tuning fork of frequency 512 Hz is excited and its stem is pressed on a table. Does the table
vibrate in this situation? What is this phenomenon known as?
Ans. Yes. The table vibrates. It is known as forced vibration.
[Link] of the characteristics related to transverse waves and longitudinal waves are given below.
Classify them and complete the table.
• Particles in the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.
• Compressions and rarefactions are formed.
• Pressure variations occur in the medium.
• Crests and troughs are formed.
• Particles in the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of propagation of the wave.
• No pressure variations occur in the medium.

Longitudinal Waves Transverse Wave

Particles in the medium vibrate parallel to Particles in the medium vibrate perpendicular
the direction of propagation of the wave. to the direction of propagation of the wave.
Compressions and rarefactions are formed. Crests and troughs are formed.
Pressure variations occur in the medium. No pressure variations occur in the medium.
[Link] state of the particles in a wave at a particular time is depicted in the figure.

a) How many crests are there in the figure?

b) How many troughs are there?
c) What is the wavelength? .
Ans.a. Crests‍: 3 b. Troughs: 3 c. Wavelength : 8 m

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[Link] the frequency of a longitudinal wave travelling at a speed of 350 m/s in the air is 35 Hz,
a) What is the distance between two consecutive compressions of this wave?
b) What about the distance between two consecutive rarefactions?
[Link], λ = v/f = 350/35 = 10 m

Distance between two consecutive compressions = λ = 10 m

b. Distance between two consecutive rarefactions = λ = 10 m

7.A sound wave with a frequency of 175 Hz has a wavelength of 2 m. Calculate the speed of sound.
Ans. v = fλ = 175x2 = 350 m/s
[Link] should be the minimum distance between the source and the reflecting surface to hear the
echo in water? (Consider the speed of sound in water as 1480 m/s)
Ans. The minimum time interval between the original sound and the reflected sound required to hear
an echo = 0.1 s (Persistence of hearing)
Total distance travelled by the sound from the source to the reflecting surface and back = S
Speed of sound in water,v = 1480 m/s
S = vt = 1480x0.1 = 148 m
The minimum distance between the source and the reflecting surface to hear the echo = S/2
= 148/2 = 74 m
9. Why are the walls of large halls like cinema theatres made rough?
[Link] reflecting power of a rough surface is poor. So, when walls are made rough, reverberation
decreases, resulting in better hearing of dialogues and songs for the audience.
[Link] an ultrasonic wave emitted by a transmitter, installed on a ship on the surface of the water,
strikes a rock at the bottom of the sea and returns after 0.2 s, what is the distance from the ship to the
rock? Consider the speed of ultrasonic waves in seawater as 1522 m/s.
Ans. Time taken to complete the path, t = 0.2 s
Speed of the wave = 1522 m/s
Total distance travelled by the wave = S
S = vt = 1522x0.2 = 304.4 m
The distance from the ship to the rock = S/2 = 304.4/2 = 152.2 m

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LET’s ASSES
[Link] of the following statements is correct?
a. Sound and light are transverse waves.
b. Sound and light are longitudinal waves.
c. Sound is a longitudinal wave and light is a transverse wave.
d. Sound is a transverse wave and light is a longitudinal wave.
Ans c. Sound is a longitudinal wave and light is a transverse wave.
[Link] upper limit of frequency of sound that a bat can hear is 120 kHz. If so, what is the maximum
wavelength of sound it can hear? Consider the speed of sound as 350 m/s.
Note: There is a mistake in the question. The given information allows us to calculate only the lowest
audible wavelength.
Ans. Lowest audible wavelength, λ = v/f = 350/120000 = 0.003 m
3. A graphic illustration of two waves travelling at a speed of 3.2 m/s is given.
a) Find out the frequency, period, and wavelength of each wave.

Ans. Fig..1.30(a):
Frequency,f = number of cycles/time = 3/24 = 1/8 Hz
Period , T =1/f = 8/1 = 8 s
Speed of the wave, v = 3.2 m/s
Wavelength, λ = v/f = 3.2/(1/8) = 25.6 m
Fig.1.30(b):
Frequency,f = 6/6 = 1 Hz
Period , T = 1 s
Speed of the wave, v = 3.2 m/s
Wave length, λ = v/f = 3.2/1 = 3.2 m

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[Link] of the following frequency can be heard by humans?

a. 5 Hz b.2000 Hz c. 200 kHz d.50 kHz
Ans. b. 2000 Hz
5. A wave has a frequency of 2 kHz and a wavelength of 35 cm. How far does this wave travel in
0.5 s?
Ans. f = 2000 Hz λ = 35 cm = 0.35 m
Speed of the wave(distance travelled per second) , v = fλ =2000x0.35 = 700 m/s

Distance travelled in 0.5 s = ½xv = ½x700 = 350 m

6. What is the frequency of a wave that produces 50 crests and 50 troughs in 0.5 s?
Ans. Number of cycles in 0.5 s, n = 50
Frequency = n/t = 50/0.5 = 100 Hz
[Link] of the following is different regarding the waves given in the figures 1.31 (a) and 1.31 (b)?
(frequency, amplitude, wavelength)

Ans. Amplitude
[Link] distance between two adjacent troughs of a transverse wave is 2 m. Find the frequency if its
speed is 20 m/s.
Ans. The distance between two adjacent troughs = wavelength, λ = 2 m
Speed of the wave = 20 m/s
Frequency, f = v/λ = 20/2 = 10 Hz
[Link] sound passes through a medium,........ travels.
(the particles in the medium / the wave / the source of sound / the medium)
Ans. the wave

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10. Two pith balls are suspended near the two prongs of a tuning fork fixed on a table so as to touch
the prongs. A person plays a piano sitting near this system.
[Link] this case the pith balls move slightly. What is the reason?
(forced vibration / echo)
[Link] playing certain notes on the piano, the pith balls are thrown to a maximum distance. Which
phenomenon is responsible for this?
(reverberation / resonance)
Ans. a. Forced vibration b. Resonance

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. An oscillating pendulum bob takes 0.4 s to move from the extreme left end
(A) to the extreme right end (B). The distance from A to B is 18 cm
a. Find the amplitude of the oscillation?
b. How long does it take to complete one oscillation?
c. What is its frequency?

2. The diameter of the bob of the pendulum is 1 cm .

a. Write the length of the pendulum.
b. If the frequency of the oscillation is 0.7 Hz , what is its period?
c. If the length of the twine is increased to 60 cm, what happens to the
frequency?

[Link] two different tuning forks are excited in a similar manner, the tones of the sounds are
different. What might be the reason?
4. What are the factors influencing natural frequency of an object?
5. An excited tuning fork with a natural frequency of 512 Hz is gently touched to a glass tumbler
with a natural frequency of 200 Hz.
a. Now, the glass tumbler is in ...........

(free vibration / forced vibration /resonance)

b. At what frequency does the tumbler vibrate now?

6. The wavelength of a sound wave is 25 m. (Speed of sound in air = 350 m/s)

a. Is the sound audible to humans? Justify your answer.
b. What is called these kinds of sounds?

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[Link] wavelength of the sound produced by a Galton whistle is 1 cm, and its speed in air is 350 m/s.
Calculate the frequency of the sound.
8. Name the type of sound used by bats to navigate in darkness.
(super sonic/ infrasonic/ultrasonic)
9. Sound is a longitudinal wave.
a. Give any difference between a longitudinal wave and a transverse wave.
b. "Seismic wave is a mechanical wave”. Is the statement true?
10. There is a relation between wavelength, frequency and speed of a wave.
[Link] the relation between them. Specify each variables in it.
[Link] is the relationship between wavelength and frequency of a wave travelling at constant speed?
11. If frequency of a simple pendulum is 1 Hz, what is its period?
12. Determine whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE, and correct the false ones.
a. All waves have crests and troughs.
b. The distance from one crest to the next trough is wavelength.
[Link] a transverse wave, the distance between two consecutive crests is equal to the distance between
two consecutive troughs.
d. Speed is the distance the wave travels in the time taken for a particle of the medium to complete
one oscillation.
e. Resonance is the booming of sound due to multiple reflection of sound at various objects.
[Link] teacher gave Babu a tuning fork for an experiment.
[Link] was labelled 512 . What does this indicate?
b. When the stem of the vibrating tuning fork is pressed against a table, the table starts vibrating.
What is this type of vibration called?
c. What is the frequency of the table's vibration now?
14. While conducting a resonance experiment with a pipe and a tuning fork, which object is in
resonance with the tuning fork?
[Link] teacher advised Vinu, who collected materials for an experiment to verify the reflection of
sound, to use glass instead of cardboard. What could be the reason?
[Link] and echo are consequences of the reflection of sound.
a. Why is an echo not heard in a class room?
b. What is the main inconvenience caused by multiple reflections of sound?
c. Suggest a solution to reduce this.
d. Give the names of two devices that use multiple reflection of sound.
[Link] the odd one from the following. How does it differ from others?
a. Resonance, Reverberation, Echo.
[Link] wave, light wave, Seismic wave, waves produced on water surface.

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18. "At resonance, the body undergoing forced vibration vibrates at higher frequency"
a. Comment to this statement.
[Link] are the conditions for an object to resonate with another?
19.a. What is the minimum distance between the source and the reflecting surface required to hear an
echo when sound travels through air?
b. Is the minimum distance same in all the mediums? Justify your answer.
20. It is labelled as 288 on a tuning fork.
a. If it is struck, how many vibrations occur in one second?
[Link] is the wavelength of the sound produced when travelling through air?
(Speed of sound in air = 350 m/s)
21. Seismic waves are produced during earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
a. What is the study of these waves called?
b. Name the device used to measure the intensity of earthquakes.
22. See the graphic representation of a wave.

a. It is a ........... (transverse wave/longitudinal wave)

b. Find the period and frequency of the wave.
22. a. Transverse wave
b.i. Period, T = 2 s
ii. Frequency, f = 1/T = 0.5 Hz Or f = n/t = 6/12 = 0.5 Hz

ANSWERS TO PRACTICE QUESTIONS.

1.a. 9 cm b. 0.8 s
c. Time taken for one oscillation, T = 0.8 s
frequency, f = 1/T = 1/0.8 = 1.25 Hz
2. a. 48.5 cm
(the distance from the point of suspension to the centre of the bob is the length of the pendulum.)
b. Period, T = 1/f = 1/0.7 = 01.4 s
c. frequency decreases.
[Link] is due to the difference in the vibrating frequencies (natural frequencies) of the tuning forks.

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4. Length, size,Elasticity, nature of the material.

5. a. forced vibration.
b. 512 Hz
6. a. Frequency of the sound ,f = v/λ = 350/25 = 14 Hz

Since the frequency of the sound is below the audible limit, it is not audible to humans.
b. Infrasonic sound
[Link],λ = 1 cm = 0.01 m

Speed of sound = 350 m/s

Frequency, f = v/λ = 350/0.01 = 35000 Hz

8. ultrasonic
9. a. Longitudinal waves have compressions and rarefactions, whereas transverse waves have crests
and troughs. b. Yes. The statement is true.
10. a. v = fλ . v – speed, f – frequency, λ – wavelength.
b. Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional if speed is constant.
11. T = 1/f = 1/1 = 1 s
12. a. False. Only transverse waves have crests and troughs.
b. False. The distance from one crest to the next crest is wavelength.
c. True.
d. False. Wavelngth is the distance the wave travels in the time taken for a particle of the medium to
complete one oscillation. OR The distance travelled by a wave in one second is the speed of the wave.
e. False. Reverberation is the booming of sound due to multiple reflection of sound at various objects.
13. [Link] frequency of the tuning fork
b. Forced vibration
c. Now the table vibrates with the natural frequency of the tuning fork. That is, now table is vibrating
at a frequency of 512 Hz.
14. Air column inside the tube.
[Link] a polished surface reflects sound more effectively.
[Link] an echo to be heard, the distance to the reflecting surface must exceed 17.5 m. In a
classroom, the distances to the walls and ceiling are less than 17.5 m, which is why an echo is not
heard.
[Link].
c. Make the walls and ceiling of the hall rough.
d. Hone, Stethoscope, Megaphone.

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17.a. Resonance. Others are the phenomena due to reflection of sound.

b. Light wave. Others are mechanical waves.
18.a. The statement is false. The correct statement is “At resonance, the body undergoing forced
vibration vibrates at its highest amplitude.”
b.i. The object must undergo forced vibration.
ii. The natural frequency of the inducing object must be equal to that of the vibrating object.
19.a.17.5 m.
b. No, the minimum distance varies in different mediums. In a medium with a higher speed of sound
(e.g., water), the minimum distance required is greater than 17.5 m.
20. a. 288 vibrations.
b. v = fλ Or λ = v/f = 350/288 = 1.2m.
21. a. Seismology b. Richter scale
22. a. Transverse wave
b.i. Period, T = 2 s
ii. Frequency, f = 1/T = 0.5 Hz Or f = n/t = 6/12 = 0.5 Hz

HIGHER LEVEL QUESTIONS

1. Pendulum P has a frequency of 0.8 Hz, while pendulum Q has a frequency of 0.5 Hz.
a. Which pendulum has a longer period?
b. Which pendulum oscillates faster?
2.A tuning fork is first tapped gently and then strongly. When does it vibrate at a higher frequency?
3. The frequency of a sound is 10,000 Hz. Choose the correct statement:
a. This sound is audible to both humans and dogs.
b. This sound is audible to humans but not to dogs.
c. This sound is not audible to either humans or dogs.
c. It is an ultrasonic sound.
4. The graphical representation of a wave is given.
a. What kind of wave is this?
b. Give an example of such a wave.
c. What is the wavelength of the wave?
d. Is the distance from point A to point B the wavelength
of the wave? Justify your answer.

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5. Observe the arrangement. When B is excited, the amplitude of C's

vibration is 4 mm.
a. At this moment, the amplitude of D is .........
(4 mm / more than 4 mm / less than 4 mm).
b. Justify your answer.

6. The figure shows an experimental set up for resonance.

a. Which pendulums have the same natural frequency?
[Link] pendulum A is gently set into oscillation, which pendulum(s)
undergo forced vibrations?
c. Identify the pendulum(s) that vibrate at the natural frequency of A.
d. Which pendulum(s) are in resonance?
[Link] a resonance experiment with an air column, a loud sound is heard
at resonance. However, such a loud noise is not heard when the
experiment is conducted with a simple pendulum. Why?
7. The graph represents the propagation of a wave over 0.5 s.

a. What is the amplitude of the wave?

b. Calculate the frequency of the wave.
c. Find its speed.
d.(A,B);(B,F);(C,G);(C,D) are four pairs of points on the wave. Which pairs are in phase?
8. Calculate the time required for a wave with a frequency of 1000 Hz and a wavelength of 50 cm to
travel a distance of 2 km
9. When a child claps in front of a hill, an echo is heard after 0.6 s. How far is the hill from the child?
(Speed of sound in air = 340 m/s).
10. Bineesh set off a firecracker 175 m away from a hill.
a. In what form does sound travel through air?
b. If the speed of sound in air is 350 m/s, how much time does it take to reach the hill?
c. Is it possible for Bineesh to hear an echo? Justify your answer.
11.A sound signal from a ship reflects off a rock underwater and returns after 4 seconds. Find the
distance from the water surface to the rock. (Speed of sound in seawater = 1500 m/s)

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ANSWERS TO HIGHER LEVEL QUESTIONS

1.a. Pendulum Q has a longer period [ Explanation:If the frequency is low, the period is high]
b. Pendulum P oscillates faster because it has a lower period.
2. In both cases, it vibrates at the same natural frequency.
3. a. This sound is audible to both humans and dogs.
4. a. Transverse wave b. Light c. 4m
d. Yes, the distance from A to B is the wavelength because A and B are two consecutive points in the
same phase.
5. [Link] than 4mm
[Link] B and D have the same natural frequency, they are in resonance. As a result, D vibrates with
maximum amplitude, meaning its amplitude is greater than that of C
6. a. A and D b. B,C,D c. B,C,D d. A,D
e. Because the frequency of oscillating pendulums is below the audible range. However, in the air
column experiment, the resonating frequency falls within the audible range.
7. a. 2 cm
b. time, t = 0.5 s, Number of cycles , n = 2.5
f = n/t = 2.5/0.5 = 5 Hz
c. Wavelength,λ = 2 m.

Therefore, Speed = fλ= 5x2 = 10 m/s.

d. (B,F)&(C,G)
8. Frequency, f= 1000 Hz
Wavelength, λ= 50cm = 0.5m
Speed, v = f.λ = 1000x0.5 = 500m/s.
Time required to travel the distance of 2 km, t = distance/speed = 2000/500 = 4 s
9. Speed of sound = 340 m/s & time taken, t = 0.6 s
Total distance travelled by the sound = speed x time = 340x0.6 = 204 m
Therefore, the distance to the hill = 204/2 = 102 m
10. a. Longitudinal wave‍.
b. time = distance/speed = 175/350 = 0.5 s.
c. Yes. Because the distance to the hill is greater than 17.5 m.
11. Distance travelled by the sound = speed x time = 1500x4 = 6000m
Therefore , the distance to the rock = 6000/2 = 3000m.

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MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. The diameter of the bob is 1 cm. What is the length of the pendulum?
a. 42 cm b. 42.5 cm c. 41 cm d. None of these

2. If the length of a pendulum increases, which of the following is correct?

a. Both the period and frequency increase.
b. Both the period and frequency decrease.
c. The period decreases, but the frequency increases.
[Link] period increases, but the frequency decreases.
3. The frequency obtained by measuring the time for 10 oscillations of a simple pendulum is 0.6 Hz.
If the frequency is calculated by measuring the time for 20 oscillations, what will it be?
a. 1.2 Hz b. 0.3 Hz c. 0.6 Hz d. None of these
4. When a prong of a tuning fork is tapped gently, it vibrates 256 times per second. If it is tapped
strongly, how many times will it vibrate per second?
a. 256 b. More than 256
c. less than 256 d. Less or more than 256
5. An excited tuning fork is gently touched to each of the glasses containing different amounts of
water, as shown. What is the increasing order of
their vibrating frequencies?

a. A – B – C – D b. D – C – B – A c. All vibrates at the same frequency

6. An excited tuning fork is gently touched to a glass
tumbler, as shown. What is the vibrating frequency of the
glass tumbler?
a. 256 Hz
b. more than 256 Hz
c. less than 256 Hz.
d. It vibrates with the natural frequency of the tumbler.
7. In the given arrangement, the hacksaw blade B is excited . Then:
a. All others are in forced vibration. b. All others are in resonance
c. A and C are in resonance. d. D vibrates with high frequency.

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8. A resonating object vibrates ...........

a. at high frequency b. at low frequency
c. with high amplitude d. with low amplitude.
9. Find the odd one from the following.
a. radio waves b. seismic waves
c. ultraviolet rays d. gamma rays
10. Identify the wrong relation. a. λ =v/f b. λ = f/v c. v = fλ d. f = v/λ
11. It is given a few information about a wave.
Amplitude = 0.5 m Wave length = 12 m Frequency = 0.2 Hz
What is the speed of the wave?
a. 6 m/s b. 2.4 m/s c. 60 m/s c. 24 m/s
12. Frequencies of certain sounds are given below. Which of them is audible to humans and dogs?
a. 10 Hz b. 1000 Hz c. 25000 Hz c. None of these
13. A and B are the extreme positions of an oscillating stone. The distance from
A to B is 16 cm. What is the amplitude of the oscillation?
a. 8 cm b. 16 cm c.32 cm d. None of these
14. Which of the following is NOT correct?
a. f = 1/T b. f = n/t c. T = t/n d. f = T/n
15. When a PVC pipe dipped in water is raised slowly, a loud sound is heard in situation 3.
Find the correct statement regarding this.

i. Only in situation 3 is the air column in forced vibration.

ii. It is in situation 3 that the air column is in resonance with the tuning fork.
iii. It is in situation 3 that the air column vibrates with maximum amplitude.
iv. In all three situations, the air column is in forced vibration.
a. The statements ii,iii and iv are correct. b. Only the statements ii and iii are correct.
c. Only the statement ii is correct. d. None of them are correct.

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[Link] the figure.

The amplitude,period and frequency of the wave are ...........

a. 0.05 m, 4 s, 4 Hz b. 0.05 m, 2 s, 4 Hz c. 0.05 m, 4 s, 1/4 Hz d. b. 0.05 m, 2 s, 1/4 Hz
17. The speed of a wave is 10 m/s and its period is 0.2 s. What is its wavelength?
a. 50 m b. 2 m c. 5 m d. 2 cm
18. It is for the uniform distribution of sound from a source to all parts of a hall that the ceiling is
made curved. Which phenomenon is utilized in this design?
a. forced vibration b. Resonance c. multiple reflection of sound d. reflection of sound.
19. Which of the following is likely be the wavelength of an infrasonic sound wave?
a. 35 m b. 35 cm c. 10 cm d. 2 m
Speed of ultrasonic sound in air = 340 m/s
20. Earthquake waves are .........
a. Waves that does not require a medium for propagation.
b. ultrasonic waves
c. Electromagnetic waves
d. mechanical waves
21. The wavelengths of two sound waves are given:
Sound.A: 10 cm Sound.B: 1m
Speed of sound in air = 350 m/s
a. Sound A is audible to humans, but Sound B is not.
b. Sound B is audible to humans, but Sound A is not.
c. Both sounds are audible to humans.
d. Neither sound is audible to humans.
22. When sound travels through air, compressions and rarefactions are formed. A compression is the:
a. high-pressure region where the distance between air molecules increases.
b. low-pressure region where the distance between air molecules increases.
c. high-pressure region where the distance between air molecules decreases.
d. low-pressure region where the distance between air molecules decreases.

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23. The states of particles in a wave at a particular time is depicted in the figure.

Find the true statement regarding this.

a. Particles A and B are in the same phase of vibration, and the distance from A to B is the wavelength
of the wave.
b. Particles A and B are in the same phase of vibration, but the distance from A to B is not the
wavelength of the wave.
c. Particles A and B are not in the same phase of vibration, but the distance from A to B is the
wavelength of the wave.
d. Particles A and B are not in the same phase of vibration, and the distance from A to B is not the
wavelength of the wave.

ANSWERS TO MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. b. 42.5 cm . Explanation:The length of a pendulum is the distance from the point of suspension to
the centre of the bob.
2. [Link] period increases, but the frequency decreases.
3. c. 0.6 Hz
4. a. 256 Explanation: An object vibrates at its natural frequency whether it is tapped gently or
strongly, but the amplitude of vibration will differ.
5. c. All vibrates at the same frequency
Explanation: Here, the glasses are in forced vibration. During forced vibration, an object
vibrates at the natural frequency of the vibrating (inducing) object.
6. a. 256 Hz
7. a. All others are in forced vibration.
8. c. with high amplitude
9. b. seismic waves.
Explanation: Seismic wave is a mechanical wave. All others are electromagnetic waves.
10. b. λ = f/v
11. b. 2.4 m/s Explanation: v = fλ= 0.2x12 = 2.4 m/s

12. b. 1000 Hz
13. a. 8 cm

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14. d. f = T/n
15. a. The statements ii,iii and iv are correct.
16.c. 0.05 m, 4 s, 1/4 Hz
17.b. 2 m Explanation: v = 10 m/s f = 1/T = 1/0.2 = 5 Hz λ = v/f = 10/5 = 2 m
18. d. reflection of sound.
19. a. 35 m
Explanation: Lower limit of wavelength of infrasonic sound = 340/20 = 17 m
Upper limit of wavelength of infrasonic sound = 350/1 = 350 m
The wavelength range of infrasonic waves is approximately 17 m to 350 m.
20. d. mechanical waves
21. c. Both sounds are audible to humans.
Explanation: Frequency of A: 350/0.1 = 3500 Hz, Frequency of B: 350/1 = 350 Hz
The frequencies of both the sounds are within the audible limit of humans.
22. c. high-pressure region where the distance between air molecules decreases.
23. a. Particles A and B are in the same phase of vibration, and the distance from A to B is the
wavelength of the wave.

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