REPORT- CHAPTER SOUND

We often say "sound" in our daily conversations, "turn up the sound" or "don't make that
sound". We use it so casually, so much so we often don't know the correct definition of it.

So what is sound?

"Sound is a vibration, a form of energy that diffuses as wave" Understanding them and
developing a perspective based on how we HEAR sounds is important.

Sound is produced due to the vibration of objects.

The to and fro or back and forth motion of an object is termed as vibration. The motion of
objects causes vibrations.

For example:

Stretched strings of a guitar vibrate to produce sound.

The motion of tearing paper causes it to form a wave or a vibration; produces sound.

Sound is produced due to vibration. However, The travelling of sound is the propagation.

When an object vibrates, the particles around the tool vibrate as well. The particle in contact
with the vibrating object is first displaced from its steady position. Each particle disturbs the
other particle in contact. The disturbance then travels to the listener from its source.

That source is called a Medium, one that helps transmit sound to the listener.

For sound waves to travel, Medium is necessary.

Wave is a phenomenon in which energy is transferred from one point to another without any
direct association between them. For example Heat, light and sound are considered as a wave.

Waves are further bifurcated as longitudinal and transversal waves.

The particles in which the medium vibrates along the direction of propagation of the wave is
known as the longitudinal wave while the particles in which the medium vibrates in a
direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave is known as the
transversal wave.

Compression is the part of the wave in which particles of the medium are closer to one
another forming the region of high pressure and density.
 Compressions are represented by the upper portion of the curve called the crest.

Rarefaction is a part of the wave where particles spread out to form a region of low pressure
and density.

Rarefactions are represented by the lower portion of the curve called the trough

Amplitude, wavelength, frequency, time-period and velocity are characteristics of sound.

The maximum displacement of each particle from its mean position is called amplitude. The
denotation of Amplitude is A and SI unit is described as Meter (m).

The distance between two nearest (adjacent) crests or troughs of a wave is called its
wavelength. It is denoted by the Greek letter (λ). Its SI unit is metre.

The number of vibrations per second is called frequency. The SI unit of frequency is hertz
(Hz). The symbol of frequency is ν (nu).

The time taken to complete one vibration is called time-period. It is denoted by T. Its SI unit
is second (s). The frequency of a wave is the reciprocal of the time-period.

The distance travelled by a wave in one second is called the velocity of the wave or speed of
the wave. Its S.I. unit is metres per second (m/s). Velocity = Distance travelled/Time taken.

Pitch and Loudness seem to be the same sometimes, but they are not the same. They differ
based on their tone quality. The pitch of a sound is our ear’s response to the frequency of
sound. Whereas loudness depends on the energy of the wave. In general, the pitch is the
reason behind the difference in voice quality of different individuals.

Sounds are of many types, but not all of them please our sense of hearing.

Music is what pleases our sense of hearing. It depends on numerous factors and varies from
person to person.
On the other hand, the definition of noise is hazy, it’s not clear.

Sound moves through a medium by alternately engaging and expanding parts of the medium
which it is travelling through.

This expansion and compression create a minute pressure that we perceive as sound.

Hence, it is a mechanical wave of pressure and displacement. In other words, Sound is what
differentiates noise from music.

A note is defined as an occurrence of a pitch. Or it can be defined as a piece of information.

Length of sound is determined using Note. Whereas, Tone is defined as the sound which is
recognized by its consistency of vibrations.

Similar to light, Sound too, follows the same laws of reflections, where the angle of reflection
is equal to the angle of incidence and the reflected sound, the incident sound, and the normal
sound belong in the same plane.

The sound heard after reflections from a rigid surface such as a cliff or a wall are called echo
creating a persistence of sound even after the source of sound has stopped vibrating. The echo
is used by bats and dolphins to detect obstacles or to navigate.

Reverberation is the phenomenon of the constancy of sound at its stoppage. Reflections

build-up with each reflection and decline gradually as they get absorbed by other objects
nearby.

Sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing are
called ultrasound. The limit varies from person to person but is approximately 20,000 Hertz.
The physical properties of ultrasound are similar to the normally audible sound.

They are extensively used in the medical industry.

Sonar is usually mistaken as Ultrasound.

SONAR is an Acronym which means- Sound Navigation, and Ranging. A technique in which
sound waves are used to navigate, detect and communicate under the surface of the water.
Understanding the "light travels faster than sound"- Light travels in the form of a wave. This
is the reason why light can travel through space where there is no air. While sound waves,
since they have to travel through solids, liquids or gas. Light energy is very quick and travels
faster than anything.

The light speed is equal to 186,282 miles per second.

All the above terms were an explanation rather a deeper perspective on Sound. How we hear sounds

Through our ears and it is important to learn about them

The ear is a sensitive organ of the human body. It is mainly involved with detecting,
transmitting and transducing sound and maintaining a sense of balance is another important
function of the human ear. The outer ear or the visible part of the ear is called the pinna. It
collects sound from the surroundings. Sound passes through a tube called an auditory canal.
Eardrum (tympanic membrane) vibrates in response to incident sound waves. Vibrations are
amplified and transmitted further by three bones hammer, anvil and stirrup in the middle ear
to the inner ear. In the inner ear, cochlea converts pressure signals into electrical signals.
Electrical signals are transmitted by the auditory nerve to the brain for interpretation.