Waves and Sounds II

Question 1

What is the difference between vibrations and waves?

Answer 1

Vibration - a pattern of motions that repeats itself at regular intervals
Waves - a disturbance that transfers energy through a medium by means of a series of vibrations

Question 2

Intensity versus loudness

Answer 2

Intensity is the amount of sound energy passing through a unit area every second. Loudness is the measure of the ear’s response to sound.

Question 3

Define the Doppler Effect

Answer 3

If the source of sound is moving towards the observer, the result is a shorter wavelength with higher frequency. If the source is moving away from the observer, the result is a longer wavelength with a lower frequency.

Question 4

Define noise

Answer 4

A result of any regular mix of frquencies.

Question 5

Explain why it is difficult to detect viruses. What phenomenon related to waves explains this?

Answer 5

Viruses are extremely small objects and very small objects cast very small shadows (i.e. direct waves). If the object is smaller than the wavelength, the wave will continue unchanged, so it is necessary to use very small wavelengths to detect very small objects.

Question 6

Define loudness and pitch

Answer 6

Loudness is the amplitude, high amplitude gives loud sound, low amplitude gives quiet sound. Pitch is frequency, high frequency gives shriller sound, low frequency gives lower sound.

Question 7

Define quality

Answer 7

Quality is the source vibrating at several natural frequencies at once.