2022-23

Passionate Learning
9769955433 Grade 8 - Term II
PHYSICS – Sound – Notes – Answer Key

Sound – Notes – Answer Key

NUMERICALS (FROM PAST PAPERS)
1. A wave pulse of frequency 200 Hz moves on a string to a distance of 8m in
0.05s.Calculate the a)velocity of the pulse b)wavelength of wave on the string
Ans. Frequency = 200 Hz
Velocity of pulse = 8m/0.05 sec= 800m/5s= 160m/s
Wavelength = velocity x time period= velocity / frequency
= 160/200 = 0.8m

2. What is the velocity of sound in air if a bell produces a 0.75m long wave of frequency
440 Hz?
Ans. Wavelength = 0.75m
Frequency= 440 Hz
Velocity of sound in air = wavelength x frequency = 0.75m x440 Hz
= 7.5 x 44 = 330m/s

3. A particle vibrates 5 times a second. Find its time period.

Ans. Frequency = 5 Hz
Time period= 1/frequency = 1/5 = 0.2 sec

4. A boy lights a cracker and another boy hears its sound 3.5 s after he sees its flash.
Speed of sound in air is 340m/s. What is the distance between the 2 boys?
Ans. Speed of sound= 340 m/s
Time taken for sound to travel = 3.5 s
Distance between the 2 boys = speed of sound x time taken= 340 x 3.5
= 1190 m

5. Velocity of sound at 250C is 345.25 m/s. What would be the velocity of sound when
temperature is 00C?
Ans. Vt = V0 + 0.61t
Vo =Vt – 0.61t
=345.25 – (0.61 x 25) = 345.25 – 15.25 = 330 m/s

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Passionate Learning
9769955433 Grade 8 - Term II
PHYSICS – Sound – Notes – Answer Key

6. The speed of sound in dry air at 250C is 345m/s. What is its speed at 350C?
Ans. t2 is 35 0C and t1 is 250C
Vt2 = Vt1 + 0.61 (t2-t1)
= 345 + 0.61 x (35-25)
= 345 + 6.1 = 351.10C

7. Distance between 3rd and 8th rarefaction is 50 cm. Calculate a) the wavelength of the
wave b) frequency if velocity of wave is 340m/s.
Ans. There are 5 full waves between the 3rd and 8th rarefaction
So, Wavelength = 50 / 5 = 10 cm = 0.1 m
Frequency = velocity / wavelength = 340 /0.1 = 3400 Hz

8. 2 children are at opposite ends of an aluminium rod. One strikes the end of the rod
with a stone. Find the ratio of times taken by the sound wave in air and in aluminium
to reach the second child.
(speed of sound in air = 346m/s
Speed of sound in aluminium = 6420m/s)
Ans. Time taken = distance / speed
Distance travelled by sound is same in both cases
T1 is time taken in air, V1 is speed of sound in air
T2 is time taken in aluminium, V2 is speed of sound in aluminium
T1/T2 = (D/V1) / (D/V2)
= V2/V1 = 6420/ 346 = 18.55

9. (Sums from text)

An observer sitting in line of 2 tanks watches the flashes of 2 tanks firing at each other
at same time. He hears the sound of the 2 shots 2 s and 3.5 s after seeing the flashes .If
the distance between the 2 tanks is 510 m, find the speed of sound.
Ans. Time taken for sound to reach observer from nearer tank = 2 s
Time taken for sound to reach observer from tank which is further away = 3.5 s
So time taken by sound to cover the distance between the 2 tanks = 1.5 s
Distance between 2 tanks = 510 m
So speed of sound = distance / time taken = 510/ 1.5 = 5100/15 = 340 m/s
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Passionate Learning
9769955433 Grade 8 - Term II
PHYSICS – Sound – Notes – Answer Key

10. The sound of an explosion on the surface of a lake is heard by a boatman 100 m away
and by a diver 100m below the point of explosion.
If sound takes time t to reach the boatman, how much time does it take to reach the
diver? (Question from text)
{same question can be given with additional information-
speed of sound in air = 340m/s
Speed of sound in water = 1400 m/s}
Ans. Distance travelled is same in both cases
Speed of sound in air (V)= D/ time taken to reach the boatman( t)
Speed of sound in water (V1) = D/ time taken to reach the diver (t1)
D = V x t = V1 x t1
t1 = (V x t) /V1

{If value of V and V1 are not given

V1 = 4 V (assuming sound travels 4 times faster in water than air)
So t1 = (V x t) / 4V = t/ 4 = 0.25 t}

{if V =340 m/s and V1=1400m/s , then t1 = (V x t ) /V1 = 340 x t / (1400)

= 0.24t

11. A man is standing between 2 parallel cliffs. He produces a sound. First echo is heard
from cliff 2 after 2 s and second echo is heard from cliff 1 after 3 s. If the speed of
sound in air is 340 m/s, find the distance between the 2 cliffs.
Ans. Man is standing between 2 cliffs (given)
Time taken to hear echo from cliff 2 is 2 s, so time taken for sound produced by man
to reach cliff 2 (t2) is 1 s
Similarly, Time taken to hear echo from cliff 1 is 3s, so time taken for sound produced
by man to reach cliff 1(t1) is 1.5 s.
Distance between 2 cliffs = speed of sound in air x (t1+t2)
= 340 x (1.5 + 1) = 340 x 2.5 = 850 m

12. The frequency of a sound wave is 50Hz and its wavelength is 4m. What is the distance
travelled by the sound wave in 3 s?
Ans. speed of sound wave = wavelength x frequency = 4 x 50 = 200 m/s
distance travelled by wave in 3 s = speed x time = 200 x 3 = 600m
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Passionate Learning
9769955433 Grade 8 - Term II
PHYSICS – Sound – Notes – Answer Key

13. Sound waves travel with a speed of about 330 m/s. What is the wavelength of sound
whose frequency is 550 Hz?
Ans. speed of sound = wavelength x frequency
wavelength = speed of sound / frequency = 330 / 550 = 3/5 = 0.6 m

14. What is the frequency of a sound wave if time – period is 0.05 sec?
Ans. time period = 0.05 s
frequency = 1/T = 1/ 0.05 s = 20 Hz

15. Lighting can be seen the moment it occurs. Riya observes lightning in her area. She
hears the sound 5 sec after lighting. How far is she from the place where lighting
occurs? (Speed of sound = 330 m/s)
Ans. Speed of sound = 330m/s
Time taken for sound to cover the distance = 5 sec
Distance of Riya from place where lightning occurs = speed x time
= 330x 5
= 1650 m/s

16. Speed of sound in water is 1650 m/s. It takes 1.2 s for sound to reach from one diver
to another. What is the distance between them?
Ans. Speed of sound in water =
distance between divers / time taken for sound to travel between them
1650 = distance between divers / 1.2
So, distance between divers = 1650/1.2 = 16500/12 = 1375m

17. A bat’s frequency range of hearing is 10 Hz to 120 kHz. Determine the minimum
wavelength of sound which it can hear. Take speed of sound in air as 360 m/s.
Ans. Since wavelength and frequency are inversely related, minimum wavelength
corresponds to maximum frequency.

Speed of sound = wavelength of sound x frequency

Minimum wavelength = speed of sound/ maximum frequency = 360/ 120000

= 3/ 1000= 0.003 m = 0.3 cm

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Passionate Learning
9769955433 Grade 8 - Term II
PHYSICS – Sound – Notes – Answer Key

18.

The speed of this wave is 3m/s. Find its amplitude, time period, wavelength and
frequency.
Ans. Amplitude = 2 cm (from graph)
Time period = 4 s (from graph)
Wavelength / time period = wave speed
Wavelength = wave speed x time period = 3 x 4 = 12 m
Frequency = 1/ time period = 1/ 4 = 0. 25 Hz

19. Ocean waves are of time period 10 s and wave velocity 15m/s. find the horizontal
distance between a wave crest and its adjoining wave trough.
Ans. Time period = 10 s
Wave velocity = 15m/s
Wavelength = wave velocity x time period = 15 x 10 = 150 m
Horizontal distance between a wave crest and its adjoining wave trough
= wavelength/2 = 150/2 = 75m

20. Distance between 3 consecutive crests of a wave is 60 cm. If the waves are produced
at the rate of 180/min, calculate wavelength, time period and wave velocity.
Ans. Wavelength = distance between 2 consecutive crests = 60/2 = 30 cm =0.3m
Frequency = 180/ min = 180/ 60 s = 3 Hz
Time period = 1/ frequency = 1/ 3 = 0.33 sec
Wave velocity = wavelength x frequency = 0.3 x 3 = 0.9 m/s

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Passionate Learning
9769955433 Grade 8 - Term II
PHYSICS – Sound – Notes – Answer Key

21. Two sound waves A and B propagating in air have their frequency in the ratio
1:2. Compare their time period and velocity. (important)
Ans. Ratio of frequency of A and B =fA/fB = ½

Time period = 1/f

Ratio of Time period of A and B = TA/TB = (1/fA)÷(1/fB) = fB/fA =2

Ratio of Velocity of wave A and wave B = 1,

Since speed of sound in a medium depends on elasticity and density of medium and it
remains constant in a medium.
i.e. velocity of sound wave A in air= velocity of sound wave B in air

22. The displacement -distance graph for a sound wave of frequency 50 Hz is shown
below. Unit is metres in both axes.

Name A and B.
Find the wavelength.
Calculate wave velocity.
Find amplitude.
Ans. A is crest. B is trough.
Wavelength = 20 m (as seen in graph)
Wave velocity = wavelength x frequency = 20 x 50 = 1000m/s
Amplitude = 4m (as seen in graph)

23. Two sound waves in air have their wavelength in ratio 2:5. Find their frequency.
Ans. In a medium, speed of sound is constant
So velocity of 1st sound wave = velocity of second sound wave
λ1x f1 = λ2x f2
f1 / f2 = λ2 / λ1 = 5/2
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 2022-23
Passionate Learning
9769955433 Grade 8 - Term II
PHYSICS – Sound – Notes – Answer Key

SUMS TO STRENGTHEN BASIC FORMULAE (FOR UNDERSTANDING ONLY)

1. Density of oxygen is 16 times the density of hydrogen. Compare the speed of sound
in hydrogen to speed of sound in oxygen.

Speed of sound in hydrogen density of oxygen

𝐀𝐧𝐬. = √
Speed of sound in oxygen density of hydrogen

= √16 = 4

So, speed of sound in hydrogen is 4 times speed of sound in oxygen

2. γ= 1.6 for a particular gas in which sound is travelling. Pressure of the gas is 1 x 10 5
N/m2. Density of gas is 1 kg/m3. Find the speed of sound in the gas.
Ans. Speed of sound in the gas = √(γP / ρ ) = 400 m/s

3. Wind is blowing at speed of 13.4 m/s. Speed of sound in still air is 343m/s.
If wind is blowing in direction of propagation of sound, what will be speed of sound?
(Downwind speed of sound)
If wind is blowing in opposite direction of propagation of sound, what will be speed
of sound? Upwind speed of sound)
Ans. If wind is blowing in direction of propagation of sound, new speed
= 343 + 13.4 = 356.4 m/s
If wind is blowing in opposite direction of propagation of sound,
new speed =343- 13.4 = 329.6 m/s

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1) Define the term ‘frequency’ and ‘time period’ of a wave. What is the relation between
the two?
Ans. Frequency of a wave (f /n / υ) is the number of vibrations made by a particle of
medium in one second. Its S.I. unit is hertz (Hz).

Time period of a wave (T) is the time taken by a particle of medium to complete its
one vibration. Its S.I. unit is second (s).
f= 1/T. They are inversely related.
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Passionate Learning
9769955433 Grade 8 - Term II
PHYSICS – Sound – Notes – Answer Key

2) What are the characteristics of wave motion?

Ans. 1. A wave is produced by a periodic disturbance at a point in the medium.
2. The particles of medium vibrate about their mean positions without leaving their
positions, while energy is transferred with constant speed from one place of
medium to another.

3) Define the term ‘wavelength’ and ‘wave velocity’ of a sound wave.

Ans. Wavelength of a wave (λ) is the distance travelled by the wave in one time period of
vibration of particle of medium. Its S.I. unit is m.

Wave velocity (V) is the distance travelled by the wave in one second. Its S.I. unit is m/s.

4) Prove that: v = f x λ, where the symbols have their usual meanings.

Ans. Wavelength (λ)= distance travelled by wave in one time period of vibration
= wave velocity x time period
=VxT
T = 1/f
So, λ = V/f
So, V = f x λ

5) Explain how defects in a metal block can be detected using ultrasound.

Ans. Usually ultrasound passes through metal block if there is no defect in the block such
as a crack or cavity
But, if there is some defect, part of ultrasound gets reflected back.

6) Write the factors affecting the speed of sound in a gas.

Ans. The speed of sound in gas is affected by
1. Change in density- V ∝ 1/√𝜌 i.e. speed of sound is inversely proportional to
square root of density of gas.
2. Change in temperature- V ∝ √𝑇 i.e. speed of sound is directly proportional to
square root of temperature of gas, where T is temperature of gas on Kelvin scale
3. Change in humidity-Since density of humid air is less, speed of sound increases
with increase in humidity.
4. Change in direction of wind- Wind blowing in direction of propagation of sound
increases speed of sound.

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Passionate Learning
9769955433 Grade 8 - Term II
PHYSICS – Sound – Notes – Answer Key

7) Give reason: When we put our ears to a railway line, we can hear the sound of an
approaching train even when the train is far off but its sound cannot be heard through
the air.
Ans. Vibrations produced by moving wheels of train travel faster through solids i.e. steel
rail than though gas i.e. air. Hence, when we put our ears to a railway line, we can hear
the sound of an approaching train even when the train is far off but its sound cannot
be heard through the air.

8) Draw displacement – time and displacement – distance graph of a particle of a wave.

Mark amplitude.
Ans.

9) Two different vibrating body produce two types of sound ‘A’ and ‘B’. Sound A cannot
be heard by a man having normal range of hearing and sound B can be heard easily.
The sound A is used in hospitals to break kidney stones of a patients into fine grains.
I) What type of sounds are A and B?
II) Write any 2 properties of sound A.

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Passionate Learning
9769955433 Grade 8 - Term II
PHYSICS – Sound – Notes – Answer Key

Ans. I) Since sound A is used to break kidney stones, it is ultrasound i.e. has frequency
above 20kHz.
Since sound B can be easily heard, it is sonic or audible sound with frequency
between 20 Hz and 20kHz.
II) 1. Energy carried by ultrasound is very high.
2. Ultrasound has high directivity i.e.; it can travel along a well-defined straight
path. It does not bend appreciably at edges of obstacles because of its small
wavelength.
Hence it has various applications.

10. The heart of a man beats 75 times a minute. What is its

(i) Frequency (ii) Time period (iii) What is the meaning of frequency of heart beats?
Ans. (i) Frequency = 75beats/ min = 75/ 60 seconds = 1.25 Hz
(ii) Time period = 1/ f = 1/ 1.25 = 0.8 s
(iii) Frequency of heart beats is the number of heart beats in one second.

11. Define amplitude. Give its SI unit.

Ans. When a wave passes through a medium, the maximum displacement of particle of
medium on either side of its mean position, is called amplitude of wave (a). Its S.I. unit
is metre (m).

For understanding-

In case of longitudinal wave, closer the particles of compression and farther the
particles of rarefactions, higher is the amplitude of the wave.

In case of transverse wave, amplitude is the difference in height between the crest
or trough from the resting position.

Wave amplitude and frequency are the 2 factors that affect the energy
transferred by a wave.

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Passionate Learning
9769955433 Grade 8 - Term II
PHYSICS – Sound – Notes – Answer Key

12. Explain the statement – Sound is a form of energy.

Ans. A vibrating body is a source of sound and mechanical energy is needed to start
vibrations in a body producing sound.
The vibrations are transmitted in the medium in the form of waves from one point to
another. Thus, energy is transferred in the medium during propagation of sound wave.
These waves produce vibrations in our ear drum which we perceive as sound.
Thus, sound is a form of energy.

13. Explain the use of ultrasound in SONAR.

Ans. In SOund NAvigation and Ranging (SONAR), ultrasound is used to detect and find
the distance of objects under water.

For understanding - This helps to locate underwater hazards to navigation, find

ship wrecks and map the sea floor.

14. How is ultrasound used for cleaning minute electronic components?

Ans. The object to be cleaned is placed in a cleaning solution and ultrasonic waves are sent
into the solution. This causes high frequency vibrations in the solution and makes
cleaning efficient.

15. Flash of light reaches us before the sound of thunder. Give reason.
Ans. Speed of light (3 x 108m/s) is about a million times faster than speed of sound
(330m/s) in air.
Hence flash of light reaches us before sound of thunder though both are produced
simultaneously.

16. Explain the uses of ultrasonography in medicine.

Ans. 1. For imaging human organs like liver, gall bladder, uterus to detect stones, tumors
etc. Echocardiography is used for images of heart.
2. Used in surgery to remove cataract and in kidney stones to break small stones
into fine grains.

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Passionate Learning
9769955433 Grade 8 - Term II
PHYSICS – Sound – Notes – Answer Key

17. How will the speed of sound in air change if it’s a rainy day? Give reason.
Ans. Density of water vapour being 5/8 times the density of dry air at ordinary temperature,
when humidity increases, density of air reduces.
So, speed of sound in air increases on rainy day as speed of sound is inversely
proportional to square root of density.

18. On blowing a whistle, we can hear the sound but on blowing a dog whistle we cannot
hear it. Why?
Ans. Audible sound for humans has frequency between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. An ordinary
whistle can be heard by us as it produces sound in this range.
Dogs can hear sounds upto a frequency of 50 kHz . So dog can hear sounds of higher
frequency, which humans cannot perceive.
Hence on blowing a whistle, we can hear the sound but on blowing a dog whistle we
cannot hear it.

19. Can we hear sound on moon. Why?

Ans. No, we cannot hear sound on moon.
Moon has no atmosphere and sound needs a medium to propagate. It cannot travel in
vacuum. Hence, we cannot hear sound on moon.

20. Loud explosions on moon are not heard on Earth. Why?

Ans. Moon has no atmosphere and sound needs a medium to propagate. It cannot travel in
vacuum. Hence, loud explosions on moon are not heard on Earth.

21. Draw a displacement -time graph of a transverse wave with amplitude 1.5 cm and
time period 2s.
Ans. Do it yourself…with reference to figure in numerical 18 above.
On y-axis, crest should correspond to 1.5cm and trough to -1.5cm.
On x-axis, one complete wave cycle (one crest to another crest) should correspond to 2s.

22. Draw a graph representing a transverse wave of amplitude 4 cm and wavelength 2 cm.
Ans. Do it yourself.
Draw a displacement-distance graph, such that crest and trough correspond to 4 cm
and -4cm on y-axis respectively.
One complete wave cycle (one crest to another crest) should correspond to 2 cm on x-axis.

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Passionate Learning
9769955433 Grade 8 - Term II
PHYSICS – Sound – Notes – Answer Key

23. How does the speed of sound change with change in

a. Amplitude of wave
b. Temperature of medium
c. Density of medium
d. Pressure of medium.
Justify the answers.
Ans. a) Speed of sound is independent of amplitude of sound wave.
b) Speed of sound in a gas increases with increase in temperature of gas. This is
because density of gas decreases with increase in temperature.
V∝ √𝑇 where T is temperature of gas on Kelvin scale.
c) Speed of sound in a medium is inversely proportional to square root of density
of gas. So it increases when density of medium decreases.
d) Speed of sound in a gas is independent of pressure. In the formula
V = √(γP / ρ ) , when pressure increases , volume decreases but mass remains
same and so density increases such that 𝑃/𝜌 remains constant.
Hence speed of sound does not change with change in pressure of gas.

24. What will happen to speed of sound in air if pressure increases at constant
temperature? Give reason.
Ans. Speed of sound in a gas is independent of pressure.
In the formula
V =√(γP / ρ ) , when pressure increases, volume decreases but mass remains same
and so density increases such that 𝑃/𝜌 remains constant.

For eg- if Pressure of air is doubled, volume of air becomes half and density gets
doubled. So 𝑃/𝜌 remains constant.

Hence speed of sound does not change with increase in pressure of gas at constant
temperature.

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Passionate Learning
9769955433 Grade 8 - Term II
PHYSICS – Sound – Notes – Answer Key

25. Determine the values of wavelength and amplitude of given transverse wave.

Ans. Wavelength = 4 cm
Amplitude = 2cm

26. The diagram below is a snapshot of a wave on a rope at a given time.

Find the amplitude and wavelength (velocity of wave = 330m/s)

Ans. Amplitude = 0.1m (as seen in diagram)

Time period = 1/60 s (as seen in diagram)
Wavelength = wave velocity x time period = 330 x (1/60) = 5.5 m

27. Explain the difference between the terms ultrasonic and supersonic. Why can’t we hear
jet planes like concord coming towards us?
Ans. The word ultrasonic is used for ultrasound i.e. sound of frequency above 20kHz.
Supersonic is used for objects which travel with speed greater than speed of sound in
air i.e. more than 330m/s.
At supersonic speeds, we can’t hear the concord coming towards us as the object is
travelling faster than the sound it produces. We can hear its sound only after it has
passed beyond us.

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