Basic Characteristics of Sound

How is sound primarily produced?

• Reception by the ear

• Movement of air molecules

• Vibration of objects

• Transfer of energy in matter particles

Sound is what type of wave?

• transverse
• longitudinal
• mechanical
• electromagnetic

Which correctly describes the propagation of a sound wave?

• Vibrating material transfers energy to the surrounding particles in the same direction as the wave propagation.

• Vibrating material transfers energy to the surrounding particles in the perpendicular direction as the wave propagation.

• Vibrating material transfers energy to the surrounding particles in the opposite direction as the wave propagation.

• Vibrating material transfers energy to the surrounding particles in the multiple directions as the wave propagation.

In which medium does sound travel fastest?

• gas

• liquid

• solid

• vacuum

In which medium does sound travel slowest?

• gas

• liquid

• solid

• vacuum

What is the typical speed of sound in air at 20 degree Celsius?

• 250 m/s

• 330 m/s

• 400 m/s

• 440 m/s

About how much faster is the speed of sound in air than in liquid and in solid?

• 5x faster in liquid; 16x faster in solid

• 16x faster in liquid; 5x faster in solid

• 5x faster in liquid; 5x than in solid

• 16x faster in liquid; 16x faster in solid

Which analogy is correct?

• Pitch is to frequency as loudness is to amplitude.

• Pitch is to amplitude as loudness is to frequency.

• Pitch is to wavelength as loudness is to period.

• Pitch is to period as loudness is to wavelength.

Singer A's voice is louder but lower in pitch than Singer B. Which statement is true?

• Singer A's voice has higher amplitude and higher frequency than Singer B.

• Singer A's voice has lower amplitude and lower frequency than Singer B.

• Singer A's voice has lower amplitude and higher frequency than Singer B.

• Singer A's voice has higher amplitude and lower frequency than Singer B.

What is the audible range of sound for human beings?

• 2 to 2 kHz

• 2 to 20 kHz

• 20 to 20 kHz

• 20 to 20 000 kHz