Sound Class8 Notes
Sound Class8 Notes
Sound is a form of energy that produces the sensation of hearing. It is produced by vibrating objects
and travels through a medium (solid, liquid, or gas).
Propagation of Sound
- Sound travels through a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) in the form of longitudinal waves.
- It cannot travel in a vacuum (no medium).
- The matter or substance through which sound is transmitted is called a medium.
Sound Waves
- Sound waves are longitudinal waves where particles of the medium vibrate back and forth in the
same direction as the wave.
- A wave consists of:
- Compression: Region of high pressure.
- Rarefaction: Region of low pressure.
Characteristics of Sound
1. Amplitude: The maximum displacement of a vibrating particle from its mean position. It
determines the loudness of sound.
2. Frequency: The number of vibrations per second. It determines the pitch of sound.
- Measured in Hertz (Hz).
- Higher frequency = Higher pitch.
3. Time Period: The time taken to complete one vibration.
4. Wavelength: The distance between two consecutive compressions or rarefactions.
Speed of Sound
- The speed of sound depends on the medium:
- Solids > Liquids > Gases.
- Speed of sound in air at 20°C = 343 m/s.
Noise Pollution
- Excessive or harmful levels of noise in the environment.
- Causes:
- Vehicles, loudspeakers, machinery, etc.
- Effects:
- Hearing loss, stress, sleep disturbances.
- Prevention:
- Use of earplugs, planting trees, reducing noise sources.
Important Terms
- Echo: Reflection of sound that arrives at the listener after a delay.
- Reverberation: Persistence of sound due to repeated reflections.
- Ultrasound: Sound waves with frequencies above 20,000 Hz (used in medical imaging).