EXERCISE # 1

Questions
Sound propagation and pressure wave ( P ) v 2 10 5  (1 10 3 )
based on v = =
V02  (1330) 2  (800)
Q.1 Sound waves have the following frequencies = 1.48 × 10–7 m3
that are audible to human beings-
(A) 5 c/s (B) 27000 c/s Questions
based on Velocity of sound waves
(C) 5000 c/s (D) 50,000 c/s
Sol.[C] Audible range 20 Hz to 20 KHz. Q.5 Velocity of sound in a gas is proportional to-
(A) square root of isothermal elasticity
Q.2 Which of the following statements is wrong- (B) adiabatic elasticity
(A) Sound waves is mechanical wave (C) square root of adiabatic elasticity
(B) Sound is a form of energy (D) isothermal elasticity
(C) Sound travels in the form of waves p
Sol.[C] V=
(D) Sound travels faster in vacuum than in air 
Sol.[D] Sound wave requires medium to propagate. In
vacuum sound wave does not propagate. Q.6 The velocity of sound in an ideal gas at
temperature T1 and T2 K are v1 and v2
Q.3 Consider the following statements about
respectively. If the root mean square velocity
sound passing through a gas.
of the same gas at same temperature are c1
(a) The pressure of the gas at a point
oscillates in time. and c2 then–
(b) The position of a small layer of the gas v2
(A) c2 = c1 (v2/v1) (B) c2 = c1
oscillates in time. v1
(A) Both (a) and (b) are correct
(B) (a) is correct and (b) is wrong v1
(C) c2 = c1 (v1/v2) (D) c2 = c1
(C) (b) is correct and (a) wrong v2
(D) Both (a) and (b) are wrong C2 V
Sol.[A] = 2
Sol. [A] In the form of compression and rarefaction C1 V1
pressure oscillate in time also position of
small layer of the gas oscillate in time. Q.7 The speed of sound in a medium depends on-
(A) the elastic property but not on the inertia
Q.4 Find the change in the volume of 1 Liter
property
kerosene when it is subjected to an extra
(B) the inertia property but not on the elastic
pressure of 2 × 105 N/m2 from the following
property
data. Density of kerosene is 800 kg/m3 and
(C) the elastic property as well as the inertia
speed of sound in kerosene is 1330 m/s.
property
(A) 0.28 cm3 (B) 0.42 cm3
(D) neither the elastic property nor the inertia
(C) 0.14 cm3 (D) 0.70 cm3
property
(P)V  Sol.[C] The speed of sound in a medium depends on
Sol.[C] v = Now V0 =
B 
the elastic property as well as the inertia
property.

SOUND WAVES 11
Q.8 If at same temperature and pressure, the is 332 m/s calculate the distance between the
densities for two diatomic gases are hills.
respectively d1 and d2, then the ratio of (A) 332 (B) 1328
velocities of sound in these gases will be- (C) 664 (D) 156
d2 d1 Sol.[C]
(A) (B)
d1 d2

(C) d1d2 (D) d1d 2 x


Sol.[A] v = g same for both goes so d

2x 2d
1 v1 2 = 1.5 ....(1) = (2.5 + 1.5)
V  = v v
 v2 1
 d = 2 × 332 = 664 m

Q.12 There is a destructive interference between

Questions
based on Interference & Reflection of sound waves the two waves of wavelength  coming from
two different paths at a point. To get
Q.9 In the interference of two sources of maximum sound or constructive interference
intensities I0 and 9I0 the intensity at a point at that point, the path of one wave is to be
 increased by-
where the phase difference is is-
2   3
(A) (B) (C) (D) 
(A) 10 I0 (B) 8 I0 4 2 4
(C) 82 I 0 (D) 4 I0 
Sol.[B] so that phase difference increases by 
2

Sol.[A] I = I02 + 9I0 + 2 I 0  9I 0 cos 
2
I = 10 I0 Q.13 If two waves of same frequency and same
amplitude respectively, on superimposition
Q.10 Which of the following statement is true for produced a resultant disturbance of the same
interference by superposition of two waves amplitude, the waves differ in phase by-
travelling in the same direction- (A)  (B) 2/3
(A) same frequency (C) /2 (D) Zero
(B) equal amplitude Sol.[B] 2A + 2A cos  = A2
2 2

(C) same frequency and constant path 1 2

difference  cos  =   =
2 3
(D) none of the above
Sol.[C] For interference by superposition of two
Questions
waves travelling in the same direction, same based on Vibration of air columns
frequency and constant phase difference is
required. Q.14 A cylindrical tube, open at both ends, has a
Q.11 A person standing between two parallel hills fundamental frequency . The tube is dipped
fires a gun. He hears the first echo after 1.5 s vertically in water so that half of its length is
and second after 2.5 s. If the speed of sound inside the water. The new fundamental
frequency is-

SOUND WAVES 22
   Q.18 A tuning fork of frequency 512 Hz is vibrated
(A) (B) (C)  (D) 2
4 2 with a sonometer wire and 6 beats per second
are heard. The beat frequency reduces if the
v
Sol.[C] v= tension in the string is slightly increased. The
2
original frequency of vibration of the string
v v is-
Now v' = = =v
 2 (A) 506 Hz (B) 512 Hz
4 
2 (C) 518 Hz (D) 524 Hz
Sol.[A] ft > fs [ fs increases on increases of tension)
Q.15 If the velocity sound in air is 336 m/s, the So ft – fs = 6
maximum length of a closed pipe that would fs = ft – 6 = 506 Hz
produce a just audible sound is–
Q.19 Two tuning forks are sounded together and
(A) 4.2 m (B) 4.2×10–2m beats are heard. We can infer that-
(C) 1 m (D) 4.2×10–3m (A) The pitches of the two notes are nearly
Sol.[A] Fundamental frequency the same.
(B) The intensities of the two notes are nearly
max  freg minimum = 20 Hz
the same.
v 336 (C) The qualities of the two notes are nearly
 20 = =
4 4  20 the same.
(D) The velocities of the two sounds are
 = 4.2 m nearly the same.
Sol. [A] Two tuning forks are sounded together and
Q.16 Two open organ pipes of lengths 50 cm and beats are heard, we can infer that the pitches
50.6 cm produces 4 beats/s. The speed of of the two notes are nearly the same.
sound in air is about–
Q.20 Two organ pipes, each closed at one end,
(A) 300 m/s (B) 320 m/s
(C) 340 m/s (D) 360 m/s gives 5 beat per sec, when emitting their
v 1 1  8  50  50.6 fundamental notes. If their lengths are in the
Sol.[C]   =4v=
2  1  2  0.6 ratio of 50 : 51, their fundamental frequencies
v = 33733.33 cm/s ( in Hz) are-
 340 m.s
(A) 250,255 (B) 255,260
Q.17 The length of an open pipe is 48 cm and its (C) 260,265 (D) 265,270
fundamental frequency is 320 Hz. If its one
end is closed then its fundamental frequency 1 f  51
Sol.[A] f   1 = 1 =
will be  f2 2 50
(A) 320Hz (B) 160Hz
(C) 163.3Hz (D) 200Hz
V  True or false type questions
Sol.[B] = 320
2
V 320
 = = 160 Hz Q.21 The ratio of the velocity of sound in hydrogen
4 2
 7  5
gas     to that in helium gas     at
Questions  5   3
based on Beats
21
the same temperature is = .
5

SOUND WAVES 33
Sol. False Q.24 Mechanical longitudinal waves are

RT propagated through ..................

Velocity of sound in any gas =
M Sol. Solids, liquids and gases

7 5 Mechanical waves require medium for

RT RT
vH2 = 5 , vHe = 3 propagation.
2 4

v H2 7 3 4 42
 =  =
v He 5 2 5 5

Q.22 A plane wave of sound travelling in air is

incident upon a plane water surface. The
angle of incidence is 60º. Assuming. snell’s
law to be valid for sound waves, it follows
that the sound wave will be refracted into
water away from the normal.
Sol. True
Speed of sound waves in water is greater than
that in air.

Q.25 A point source emits sound equally in all

Q.23 A man stands on the ground at a fixed directions in a non-absorbing medium. Two
distance from a siren which emits sound of points P and Q are at a distance of 9 metres
fixed and 25 metres respectively from the source.
amplitude. The man hears the sound to be The ratio of the amplitudes of the waves at P
louder on a clear night than on a clear day. and Q is ......................
Sol. False Sol. Intensity at any point at distance r from
The intensity of sound at a given point is the P
source of power P, I =
energy per second received by a unit area 4r 2
1
perpendicular to the direction of propagation. I
r2
1
= v2A2
2 1
As, I  amplitude2 So, (amplitude)2 
Also intensity varies as distance from the point r2
1 1
source as I  Amplitude 
r 2 r
None of the parameters are changing in case of AP 25
 =
a clear night or a clear day. Therefore the AQ 9

intensity will remain the same.

 Fill in the blanks type questions

SOUND WAVES 44
 EXERCISE # 2
Q.3 Interference and beats differ in the sense -
(Only single correct answer type (A) Interference is the superimposition of
Part-A
questions) waves but beats is not
Q.1 Taking the composition of air to be 75% of (B) Interference and beats both are
N2 and 25% of oxygen by weight, what is the uperimposition of waves but later is in
velocity of sound through air at 160 C - space and former is in time
(A) 310 m/s (B) 341 m/s (C) Interference and beats are both
(C) 360 m/s (D) 450 m/s superimposition of waves but later is in
 mix RT time and former is in space
Sol.[B] Velocity of sound =
M mix
(D) Interference and beats are both
75 7R 25 7R superimposition of waves and identical in
n1C p1  n 2 C p 2   
mix = = 28 2 32 2 all respects.
n1C V1  n 2 C V2 75 5R 25 5R
  
28 2 32 2 Sol.[C] Beats are time dependent phenomena whereas
= 1.398  1.4 interference are space dependent phenomena.
25
R= J/mole K, T = 16 + 273 = 289 K
3 Q.4 Two identical organ pipe are producing
mass 75  25 fundamental notes of frequencies 200 Hz at
Mmix = =
no. of moles 75 25
 15ºC, if the temperature of one pipe is raised
28 32
to 27ºC, the number of beats produced will
100
= = 28.9 g be–
3.45925
(A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 6 (D) 8
25
1.4   289
3 25 Sol.[B] Velocity of sound, v  T
v= = 1.4   10 4
28.9  10 – 3 3 v 27 273  27
= = 1.02
= 3.41 ×102 m/s  341 m/s v15 273  15
Further,   v
Q.2 The graph below shows displacement(y) ' v 27
= = 1.02
versus distance (x) along the line of a  v15
transmission of a longitudinal wave at a given  = 200 × 1.02 = 204
instant.  Beat frequency
y =  –  = 204 – 200 = 4Hz

Q.5 A hollow metallic tube of length L and closed

at one end produces resonance with a tuning
(0,0 R S
x fork of frequency f. The entire tube is heated
P Q T
carefully so that length changes by . If the
The positive y-axis is displacement to the
right and the negative y-axis is displacement change in velocity V of the sound is v. The
to the left. The pressure maxima positions resonance will now be produced by tuning
happen at the positions marked -
fork whose frequency is -
(A) P (B) Q (C) R (D) S
(A) (V + v)/4 (L + ) (B) (V – v)/(L – )
Sol.[C] R R
SOUND WAVES 55
 (C) (V + v)/4 (L – ) (D) (V – v)/4 (L + ) (A) 1/18 sec. (B) 1/24 sec.
(C) 1/6 sec. (D) 1/12 sec
Sol.[A] On heating i.e. increasing temperature, length
Sol.[D] Beat frequency = 256 – 250 = 6Hz
of pipe as well as velocity of sound increases.
Vv 1 1
New frequency = Beat time period = = sec
4(L  ) Beat frequency 6

Maxima and minima are separated by a time

Q.6 For a certain organ pipe, three successive
T 1
resonance frequencies are observed at interval = sec
2 12
425 Hz, 595 Hz and 765 Hz respectively. If
the speed of sound in air is 340 m/s, then the
Q.9 Two sound waves, originating from the same
length of the pipe is -
(A) 0.2m (B) 0.4m (C) 1.0m (D) 2.0m sound source travel along different paths in
Sol.[C] The ratio of frequencies is air and then meet at a point. The speed of the
425 : 595 : 765 = 5 : 7: 9 sound is 330 m/s. If the source vibrates at a
So clearly as consecutive frequencies are odd frequency of 500 Hz and one path is 33 cm
multiples of a fundamental frequency  and longer than the other, then the nature of
pipe is a closed pipe closed at both ends. interference is -
5v 5(340) (A) destructive
Hence, = 425  = 425
4L 4L (B) constructive
5  340 (C) neither destructive nor constructive
L= = 1m
4  425 (D) nothing can be predicted
Sol.[A] Phase difference between waves
Q.7 An organ pipe vibrates in fundamental
resonance with the medium first as air, then 2 2
= x = × x
hydrogen and then methane. The velocity of  v
sound in the three media are different, owing 
to which in the three cases – 2
(A) The frequency changes = × 500 × 0.33 = 
330
(B) The wavelength changes
(C) The wavelength and frequency both So, waves are out of phase. Hence destructive
change interference occurs at point.
(D) The wavelength and frequency both
remains invariant
Q.10 A pipe of length 1 m is closed at one end. The
Sol.[B] Frequency is a property of source. it is
independent of medium. velocity of sound in air is 300 m/s. The air
v column in the pipe will not resonate for sound
As, wavelength,  = , So as v changes, 
 of frequency -
also changes. (A) 75 Hz (B) 225 Hz
(C) 300 Hz (D) 375 Hz
Q.8 Two tuning forks of frequency 250 Hz and Sol.[C] For closed pipe of length 1m, possible
256 Hz produce beats. If a maximum is
nv n (300)
observed just now, after how much time the frequencies are = = = 75 n
4L 4(1)
minimum is observed at the same place -

SOUND WAVES 66
 So clearly frequency of 300 Hz is not (A) Constructive at P, destructive at Q and R
(B) Constructive at P and R, destructive at Q
possible.
(C) Constructive at P and Q, destructive at R
Q.11 The total number of harmonics audible to a (D) Constructive at R, destructive at P and Q
person having normal hearing, if the length of Sol.[D] At point R, path difference = AR – BR
the pipe closed at one end is 17cm and x = 0
velocity of sound in air is 340 m/s, is - 2
(A) 16 (B) 18 (C) 20 (D) 22 phase difference = x = 0

Sol.[C] For open pipe possible frequencies are = So, interference is constructive
nv n (340) At point P, path difference
= = 1000 n
2L 2(0.17) 
= BP – AP = BA =
Audible range of human ear is 20 Hz to 2
20 KHz. 2 
So, possible frequencies heard by man Phase difference = × =
 2
= 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, .... , 20000 So, interference is destructive
At point Q, path difference = AQ –BQ
Q.12 Two closed organ pipes, A and B, have the

same length. A is wider than B. They resonate AB =
2
in the fundamental mode at frequencies nA
2 
and nB respectively. Phase difference = × = 
 2
(A) nA = nB So, interference is destructive
(B) nA > nB
(C) nA < nB Q.14 The frequencies of two forks are 256 and
(D) Either (b) or (c) depending on the ratio of 256.05 Hz. When sounded together, after how
their diameters much interval maximum sound will become
half, if the minimum intensity is zero -
Sol.[C] Let  = length of the pipe
(A) 10 sec
d = diameter of the pipe (B) 5 sec
In fundamental mode of vibration, (C) .025 sec
 (D) Information is incomplete
= ( + 0.3d)
4 (1  2 ) t 1
where 0.3 d is necessary end correction Sol.[B] cos =
2 2
v v (1  2 ) t 
As frequency, n = = =
 4(  0.3d) 2 3
As  is same, wider pipe (A) will resonate at a 2(f1  f 2 ) 
=
lower frequency i.e. nA < nB. 2 3
2 100  2 20 2
Q.13 The frequencies of sources A and B as shown t= = =
6 ( f1  f 2 ) 65 6
in figure are same. The nature of interference
 Q.15 A metallic rod of length 0.88 m is arranged in
at points P, Q and R will be if AB = and
2 Kundt’s tube by clamping at its midpoint. If
the two sources are in same phase – the distance between two consecutive nodes
R in the tube is 8 cm then the velocity of sound
in metal will be (v = 332 m/s.)
(A) 3652 m/s (B) 365 m/s
(C) 36.5 m/s (D) 3.65 m/s
A B
P Q vr  r
x x Sol.[A] 
va  a
SOUND WAVES 77
 r 0.88 (A) increased by a factor of 2
 vr = va = × 332
a 0.08 (B) decreased by a factor of 2
= 11 × 332 = 3652 m/s (C) decreased by a factor of 4
(D) unchanged
Q.16 An earthquake generates both transverse (S) Sol.[C] Intensity of sound = 222A2V
and longitudinal (P) sound waves in the earth. or I  2A2
The speed of S waves is about 4.5 km/s and I  2A2  
2
 A1 
2

that of P waves is about 8.0 km/s. A  1 = 12 12 =  1   

I2  2A2  2   A2 
seismograph records P and S waves from an 2 2
    A  1
earthquake. The first P wave arrives 4.0 =     = 16 × = 4
  / 4   2 A  4
minute before the first S wave. The epicentre
I1
of the earthquake is located at a distance of I2 =
4
about - Intensity is decreased by a factor of 4
(A) 25 km (B) 250 km
(C) 2500 km (D) 5000 km Q.19 Forks A and B produce 6 beats/sec. A and C
produce 2 beat/sec. Forks B and C will
Sol.[C] Let the centre of the epicentre of the
produce ................ beats/sec. Frequency of A
earthquake be at distance x.
is greater than frequency of B and C.
Time taken by S wave,
(A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 3 (D) 5
x
t1 = ... (1) Sol.[B] |A – B| = 6  A – B = ± 6
4.5
|A – C| = 2  A – C = ± 2
Time taken by P wave,
 A   B  6  A   B  6  A   B  6 A  B  6
x  A   C  2  A   C  2  A  C  2  A   C  2
t2 = ... (2)
8 C  B  4  B  C  4  B  C  8 B  C  8
Given that, t1 – t2 = 4 min = 4 × 60 = 240 s
 So, |B – C| = 4 or |B – C| = 8
x x
 – = 240 ; x  2500 km
4.5 8 Q.20 Two uniform wires are vibrating
simultaneously in their fundamental notes.
Q.17 The intensity level of sound wave is said to The tensions, lengths, diameters, and the
be 4 decibel. If the intensity of wave is densities of the two wires are in the ratios 8 :
1, 36 : 35, 4 : 1 and 1 : 2 respectively. If the
doubled, then the intensity level of sound as
note of the higher pitch has a frequency 360
expressed in decibel would be– Hz, the number of beats produced per seconds
(A) 8 (B) 16 (C) 7 (D) 14 is –
I (A) 5 (B) 10 (C) 15 (D) 20
Sol.[C] S.L. = 10 log10 Sol.[B] We know that,
I0
I 1 T
4 = 10 log10 ... (1) =
I0 LD 
In second case, 1 L D T1  2
 = 2 2 
2I I 2 L1D1 1 T2
= 10 log10 = 10 log10 2 + 10log10
I0 I0
 L 2  D 2  T1  2
= 10 (0.3010) + 4 = 7dB =    
 L1  D1  T2 1
Q.18 If the amplitude of sound is doubled and the
frequency reduced to one-fourth, the intensity 1  36  1 8  2
=      
of sound at the same place will be– 360  35  4 1 1

SOUND WAVES 88
 1 = 350 Hz Change in phase of displacement wave occurs
So, number of beats produced per second only when the wave is reflected from a denser
= 2 – 1 = 360 – 350 = 10 Hz boundary. In rest of three cases, phase
change = 0

Q.21 The frequency of B is 3% greater than that of

Q.24 A wave travelling in a solid–
A. The frequency of C is 2% less than that of
A. If B and C produce 8 beats/s, then (A) must be longitudinal
frequency of A is – (B) may be longitudinal
(A) 136 Hz (B) 168 Hz (C) must be transverse
(C) 164 Hz (D) 160 Hz (D) may be transverse
Sol.[D] Let the frequency of A be  Sol.[B,D] In solids, both volume elasticity and
3 elasticity of shape is found. So both
 B =  + 
100
longitudinal as well as transverse wave can
3
C =  –  propagate.
100
 Beat frequency between B and C
=  B – C Q.25 In case of interference of two waves each of
3 2 5  intensity I0, the intensity at a point of
=  = =
100 100 100 20 constructive interference will be–

= 8   = 160 Hz  (A) 4I0 for coherent sources
20
(B) 2I0 for coherent sources

One or more than one correct (C) 4I0 for incoherent sources
Part-B
answer type questions (D) 2I0 for incoherent sources
Sol.[A,D] When sources are coherent
Q.22 The velocity of sound is affected by change
I = I1 + I2 + 2 I1I 2 cos
in–
(A) Temperature (B) Medium For constructive interference,  = 0°
(C) Pressure (D) Wavelength I = I0 + I0 + 2 I 0 I 0 cos 0° = 4I0
Sol.[A,B]
When sources are incoherent, intensities just
Change of medium () and change of add,
temperature (T) do effect the velocity of I = I0 + I0 = 2I0
sound. Change in wavelength does not.
Further there is no effect of change in Q.26 An air column in a pipe, which is closed at
pressure on velocity of sound, provided one end, is in resonance with a vibrating
temperature remains constant.
tuning fork of frequency 264 Hz. If v = 330
Q.23 In which case will there be no change in m/s, the length of the column in cm is–
phase of displacement wave ? (A) 31.25 (B) 62.50
(A) wave propagating from denser to rarer (C) 93.75 (D) 125
medium
Sol.[A,C] In first normal mode of vibration,
(B) wave propagating from rarer to denser
v
medium =
4
(C) wave is reflected from a denser boundary
v 330
(D) wave is reflected from a rarer boundary = = m = 0.3125 m = 31.25
4 4  264
Sol.[A,B,D]
cm
SOUND WAVES 99
 In second normal mode of vibration, The following questions consists of two
3v 3v  v  statements each, printed as Assertion and
= = = 3 
4 4  4  Reason. While answering these questions
 = 3(31.25) = 93.75 cm you are to choose any one of the following
four responses.
Q.27 An electrically maintained tuning fork (A) If both Assertion and Reason are true
vibrates with constant frequency and constant and the Reason is correct explanation
amplitude. If the temperature of the of the Assertion.
surrounding air increases but pressure (B) If both Assertion and Reason are true
but Reason is not correct explanation
remains constant, the sound produced will
of the Assertion.
have– (C) If Assertion is true but the Reason is
(A) larger wavelength (B) larger frequency false.
(C) larger velocity (D) larger time period (D) If Assertion is false but Reason is true.
Sol.[A,C]
Here,  = frequency is maintained constant Q.29 Assertion : Compression and rarefaction
So it will not change involve changes in density and pressure.
RT Reason : When particles are compressed,
As, velocity of sound = v =
M density of medium increases and when they
So, as T increases, v increases are rarefied, density of medium decreases.
v Sol.[A] Reason correctly explains assertion.
Also, wavelength =  = increases as v has

increased. Q.30 Assertion : Sound travels faster on a rainy
day than on a dry day.
Q.28 The fundamental frequency of a vibrating
Reason : Moisture increases the pressure.
organ pipe is 200 Hz. Sol.[C] Presence of moisture in air decreases density
(A) the first overtone is 400 Hz of air but does not effect pressure.
(B) the first overtone may be 400 Hz 1
As velocity of sound , v  , so it
(C) the first overtone may be 600 Hz 
(D) 600 Hz is an overtone increases.
Sol.[B,C,D]
If pipe is open at both ends or closed at both Q.31 Assertion : For a closed pipe, the first
ends; then frequency of first overtone resonance length is 60 cm. The second
resonance position will be obtained at
= 2(200) = 400 Hz
120 cm.
If pipe is closed at both ends then frequency
Reason : In a closed pipe 2 = 31.
of first overtone = 3 (200) = 600 Hz
So, first overtone may be 400 Hz or may be 600 Sol. [D] In a closed organ pipe, 2 = 31
Hz.
2 = 3× 60 = 180 cm
600 Hz will be a second overtone for pipe
Assertion is wrong.
open or close at both ends and will be first
overtone for a pipe closed at one end. Q.32 Assertion : When two vibrating tuning forks
having frequencies 256 and 512 are held near
Part-C Assertion-Reason type questions each other, beats cannot be heard.

SOUND WAVES 10
10
 Reason : The principle of superposition is (D) Molecular mass of the (S) speed remains
valid only if frequencies of oscillators are gas is made 4 times half
nearly equal.
Sol.[C] The assertion is true based on property of Sol. [A  Q; B  R; C  Q; D  S]

persistence of hearing, according to which (A) v T So  (Q)

impression of sound heard persists on our (B)  (R) (C)  (Q)
1
mind for second. However reason is false. 1
10 (D) v  (D)  (S)
M
Part-D Column matching type questions Q.35 Fundamental frequency of closed pipe is 100
Hz and that of an open pipe is 200 Hz. Match
the following (s = 330 m/s) :
Q.33 For a closed organ pipe, match the following :
Column-I Column-II
Column-I Column-II (A) Length of closed pipe (P) 0.825 m
(A) Third overtone frequency (P) 3 (B) Length of open pipe (Q) 1.65 m
is x times the fundamental (C) Lowest harmonic of (R) 5
closed pipe which is
frequency. Here, x is equal
equal to any of the
to
harmonic of open
(B) Number of nodes in second (Q) 4 (S) none
overtone Sol. [A  P ; B  P ; C  S]
(C) Number of antinodes in (R) 5 v
(A)  = = 0.825 m
second overtone 4f
v
(S) none (B)  = = 1.65 m
2f
Sol. (A) x = 2n + 1 = 2 × 3 + 1 = 7
(C) (2n + 1)f = mf
(B) n + 1 = 2 + 1 = 3 for n = 1 m=3
(C) n + 1 = 3 So (2n + 1) = 3

Q.34 Regarding speed of sound in gas match the

following :

Column-I Column-II
(A) Temperature of gas is (P)speed becomes

made 4 times and 2 2 times

pressure 2 times
(B) Only pressure is made (Q)speed becomes
4 time without change 2 times
in temperature
(C) Only temperature is (R) speed remains
changed to 4 times unchanged

SOUND WAVES 11
11
 EXERCISE # 3
Part-A Subjective Type Questions Q.2 An engine is approaching a cliff at a constant
Q.1 The excess pressure in a travelling sound speed. When it is at a distance of 0.9 km from
wave is given by the equation cliff it sounds a whistle. The echo of the
 2   sound is heard by the driver after 5 seconds.
p = 1.5 sin  ( x  330t ) 
    Determine the speed of the engine. Velocity
Where x an  are in meters, t is in seconds, of sound in air is equal to 330 ms–1.
and p is in pascals. t=0 t = 5 seconds
(a) What is the velocity of the wave ?
(b) If  = 2 m, what is the frequency of the
wave ?
5u
(c) What is the maximum pressure (pressure 0.9 km
amplitude) ?
Sol. Let speed of engine be u m/s
(d) What is the pressure at x = 1/6 m and
Distance covered by sound in time 5 seconds
t=0?
= (0.9 × 103) + (0.9 × 103 – 5u)
Sol. Given equation is
speed of sound = 330 m/s
 2 2 
p = 1.5 sin  x (330) t 
    dis tan ce 1.8  103  5u
 Time = =
speed 330
Comparing with, p = Pmax sin(kx – t)
we get 1.8  103  5u
5=
2 2 330
k= ,= (330)
  5u = 1.8 × 103 – 330 × 5
2 1.8  10 3
(330) u= – 330 = 30 m/s

(a) Velocity of wave, v = =  5
k 2
 18
= 30 × km/hr = 108 km/hr
5
= 330 m/s
2 Q.3 Find the amplitude of vibration of the
(b) If  = 2m,  = (330) = 330 
2 particles of air through which a sound wave
 2 = 330  of intensity 2.0 x 10–6 W/m2 and frequency
  = 165 Hz 1.0 kHz is passing. Density of air = 1.2 kg/m3
(c) pmax = 1.5 = maximum pressure and speed of sound in air = 330 m/s.
amplitude
 2   1  2  Sol. The relation between the intensity of sound
(d) p = 1.5 sin    (330)(0) 
  6   and the displacement amplitude is

  
I = 22 S02 20v
= 1.5 sin  
 3  I 2  10 –6
S02 = =
   2 2  20 v 2 2 (10 6 )(1.2)(330)
If  = 2m, p = 1.5 sin  
 3(2)  S02 = 2.53 × 10–16 m2
 1.5 S0 = 1.6 × 10–8 m
= 1.5 sin = = 0.75 Pa
6 2
SOUND WAVES 12
12
Q.4 A steel rod 100 m long is struck at one end. A d
600 u 16 u (d-616 u)
person at the other end hears two sounds as a
result of two longitudinal waves. Explain this
phenomenon. Find the time interval between Tunnel
the two sounds. Given : molecular weight of t=0 t = 10 mins t = 616 sec
air = 28.8, room temperature = 27 ºC. Y for First whistle second whistle Echo of second
sounded sounded whistle received
steel = 2 × 1011 Pa, density of steel = 7.8 g
cm–3. (Assume air to be diatomic) At t = 10 mins (600 sec) second whistle is
Sol. The time interval between the sound waves is sounded and at t = 616 second its echo is
due to difference in speed of sound in steel and received and in this time sound travels a
air. distance [d – 600 u + d– 616 u) with speed
Velocity of sound in steel v = 332 m/s. Hence,
d  600u  d  616u
ys 2  1011 = 16
= vS = = = 5063.69 m/s 332
s 7.8  10 3
2d – 1216u = 332 × 16
Velocity of sound in air d – 608u = 2656 .... (2)
7 (1) – (2)  598u = 664  u = 1.11 m/s
 8.31 300
RT 5 So, distance of engine from tunnel when first
= va = = = 347.85 m/s
M 28.8  10 – 3 whistle is sounded = d = 3333.1 m
100 100 distance of engine from tunnel, when second
 Time interval = 
347.85 5063.69 whistle is sounded = d – 600 u = 2665.1 m
= 0.2874 – 0.0197 = 0.2677 sec speed of train = u = 1.11 m/s

Q.5 An engine, approaching a tunnel at constant Q.6 A road runs midway between two parallel
speed, whistles twice at an interval of 10 rows of buildings. A motorist moving with a
minutes. The driver hears the echo of the first, speed of 36 kilometers per hour sounds the
20 seconds after its sounding ; while he hears horn. He hears the echo one second after he
the echo of the second 16 seconds after its has sounded the horn. Find the distance
sounding. Find the distance of the engine between the two rows of buildings. When will
from the tunnel when (a) the first whistle is he hear the echo, a second time? Velocity of
sounded and (b) the second whistle is sound in air is 330 m/s.
sounded. (c) Find also the speed of the train. Sol.
(Take velocity of sound = 332 ms–1) A
Sol. Let the velocity of engine be u m/s 5m
First whistle Echo of first
x
sounded Whistle received C B
t=0 t = 20 sec

u
Tunnel D

20 u (d-20 u) E
d
When the whistle is sounded at t = 0 and its F
echo is received then sound covers a total
Given, speed of motorist, v = 36 km/h = 10
distance of (d + d – 20u) with speed 332 m/s =
m/s Consider figure. In one second the
v
motorist travels a distance AD = 10 m. He
2d  20u
 = 20 hears the first echo when he reaches D.
v During one second, the sound travels a
  2d – 20 u = 20 × 332 distance of 330 m after reflection at B, i.e.
d – 10u = 3320 ... (1) AB + BD = 330 m

SOUND WAVES 13
13
 Let 2x be the distance between the rows of Q.8 A window whose area is 2 m2 opens on a
buildings. Then BC = x street where the street noises result in an
intensity level at the window of 60 dB. How
Also, AC = 5m. Therefore in triangle ABC,
much 'acoustic power' enters the window via
we have sound waves. Now if an acoustic absorber is
AB = (x2 + 52)1/2 = (x2 + 25)1/2 fitted at the window, how much energy from
street will it collect in five hours ?
But AB = BD. Hence
I
AB + BD = 2(x2 + 25)1/2 Sol. Sound level = L = 10 log10
I0
But AB + BD = 330 m. Hence I
2 1/2
 10 log10 = 60
330 = 2(x + 25) I0
Solving for x, we get x = 164.9 m. I I
log10 =6 = 106
Therefore, the distance between two rows of I0 I0

buildings = 2x = 329.8 m I = 10–12 × 106 = 10–6 W/m2 = 1W/m2

So, P = IS = 1× 10–6 × 2 = 2W
The motorist will hear the second echo when
and E = P × t = 2 × 10–6 × 5× 60 × 60
he reaches F, i.e. after sound has travelled a = 36 × 10–3 J
further distance of 330 m, suffering a second
Q.9 The noise level in a classroom in absence of
reflection at E. Thus he hears the second
the teacher is 50 dB when 50 students are
echo, 2 seconds after the horn is sounded. present. Assuming that on the average each
student outputs same sound energy per
second, what will be the noise level if the
Q.7 The faintest sound the human ear can detect at a
number of students is increased to 100 ?
frequency of 1 kHz ( for which the ear is most I
Sol. Sound level = 10 log10
sensitive) corresponds to an intensity of about I0
10–12 W/m2 (the so called threshold of hearing). Initially when SL was 50 dB then,
Determine the pressure amplitude and I I
50 = 10 log10  log10 =5
I0 I0
maximum displacement associated with this
I
sound assuming the density of air = 1.3 kg/m3 = 105  I = 10–12 × 105 = 10–7
I0
and velocity of sound in air = 332 m/s. So, for 50 students intensity of sound = 10–7
p 02 So, for 100 students intensity of sound
Sol. I=  p0 = I  2 100
2 = 10–7 ×
50
p0 = 10 –12  2  1.3  332 = 2.94 × 10–5 N/m2 = 2 × 10–7
As, p0 = Av  I 
Hence, new sound level = 10 log10  

 I0 
p0
 A=  2  10 7 
v = 10 log10  = 10 log10 [2 × 105]
12 
 10 
2.94 10 –5
= = 10 log10 2 + 10log10 105
1.3  332  (2  10 3 )
= 10(0.3010) + 10 × 5
= 1.1 × 10–11 m = 53 dB

SOUND WAVES 14
14
Q.10 A set of 28 tuning forks is arranged in a series v 340
The wavelength of either wave is = .
of decreasing frequencies. Each fork gives 3  
beats with succeeding one. The first fork is
the octave of the last. Calculate the frequency For constructive interference,  = n, where
of the first and the 15th tuning fork. n is integer
Sol. Let the frequencies of forks be
 340 
, – 3, – 6, – 9 or 0.228 = n  
  
 Frequency of last tuning fork
 340 
(i.e. 28 tuning fork) = 28th term of A.P.  = n  = 1491.2n Hz  1490 Hz
 0.228 
  + (28 – 1) (–3) [Tn = a + (n – 1)d]
Thus the frequencies within the specified
=  – 81
range which cause maxima of intensity are
As first fork is the octave of last, So
1490 Hz and 2980 Hz.
2( – 81) =   = 162 Hz
Frequency of first tuning fork = 162 Hz
Q.12 A tube of certain diameter and of length 48
Frequency of fifteenth tuning fork = 15th term cm is open at both ends. Its fundamental
of A.P. frequency of resonance is found to be 320 Hz.
= 162 + (14 – 1) (– 3) = 120 Hz The velocity of sound in air is 320 m/s.
Estimate the diameter of the tube. One end of
the tube is now closed. Calculate the lowest
Q.11 Fig. shows a tube structure in which a sound
frequency of resonance for the tube.
signal is sent from one end and is received at
Sol. Suppose L be the length of the open tube. The
the other end. The semicircular part has a
radius of 20.0 cm. The frequency of the sound end corrections on both sides is e. The tube
source can be varied electronically between vibrates in its fundamental mode. Then
1000 and 4000 Hz. Find the frequencies at 
= L + 2e or  = 2(L + 2e)
which maxima of intensity are detected. The 2
speed of sound in air = 340 m/s. If v be velocity of sound in air, the
fundamental frequency is given by
v 320
= =
 2( L  2e )

Sol. The sound wave meets at the junction of the 320

or 320 = L + 2e = 0.5
straight and semicircular parts. The wave 2(L  2e)

through the straight part travels a distance

1 = 2 × 20 cm and the wave through curved or 2e = 0.5 – 0.48  e = 0.01 m = 1 cm
If the diameter of the tube is d, then e = 0.3d
part travels a distance 2 = (20) = 20 cm e 1
or d = = = 3.33 cm
= 62.8 cm before they meet again and travel 0 .3 0 .3

to the receiver. The path difference between
the two waves received is, therefore
=2 – 1 = 62.8 cm – 40 cm = 22.8 cm
Now one end of tube is closed. The tube then
becomes a closed pipe. In its fundamental
mode it has the lowest frequency.
Hence, fundamental frequency

  = 0.228 m v 320 80

= =
4(L  e) 4(0.48  0.01) 0.49
SOUND WAVES 15
15
 = 163.26 Hz and 1, 2, 3 are the successive lengths of the
tube in resonance with it, we have
Q.13 An organ pipe with air gives the same
frequency at all temperatures. Calculate the nv (n  2) v (n  4) v
= ; = ; = 
coefficient of linear expansion of the material 4 1 4 2 4 3
of the pipe. 2v v
Sol. Frequency at temperature T + T  giving 3 – 2 = 2 – 1 = =
4 2
= Frequency at temperature T
By question, 3 – 2 = 52.75 – 31.25 = 21.5
vT + T = vT
cm
v T  T v v T  T v
= T  = T
4 2 4 1  1[1  T] 1 and 2 – 1 = 31.25 – 9.75 = 21.75 cm

v T  T v
= 1 +T .... (1) Thus = 21.50
vT 2

RT v = 2 × 21.50 = 2 × 800 × 0.2150 = 344 m/s

As v =
M

v T  T T  T  T 
1/ 2 Q.15 A pipe of length 1.5 m closed at one end is
As, v = = = 1   filled with a gas and it resonates in its
vT T  T 
fundamental mode with a tuning fork.
1/ 2
 T  Another pipe of the same length but open at
By (1), 1   = 1 + T both ends is filled with air but it resonates in
 T 
its fundamental mode with the same tuning
T fork. Calculate the velocity of sound in the
1+ = 1 + 2T + (T)2
T gas at 0 ºC given that the velocity of sound in
Neglecting (T)2 in comparison to other air is 360 m/s at 30 ºC when the experiment is
terms as it is very small, we get performed.
Sol. Suppose L be the length of the closed pipe as
T 1
1+ = 1 + 2T   = well as the open pipe. The closed pipe is
T 2 filled with a gas and has length L = 1.5 m.
 Coefficient of linear expansion of The fundamental frequency of closed pipe at
1 30°C is,
material of pipe =  = =
2(273) v v v
nC = = Hz ... (1)
4 L 4  1 .5 6
0.00183/°C
(v = velocity of sound in gas at 30°C)
Q.14 A tuning fork vibrating at frequency 800 Hz The frequency of the fundamental tone of the
open pipe filled with air at 30°C, is given by
produces resonance in a resonance column tube.
The upper end is open and the lower end is va 360
n0 = = = 120 Hz ... (2)
closed by the water surface which can be 2 L 2  1 .5
changed. Successive resonances are observed at v
Because, nC = n0 at 30°C, hence = 120
lengths 9.75 cm, 31.25 cm and 52.75 cm. 6
Calculate the speed of sound in air from these v = 120 × 6 = 720 m/s
data.
Velocity of sound in gas at 30°C = 720 m/s
Sol. For the tube open at one end, the resonance
Now the velocity of sound in the gas at 0°C
nv
frequencies are , where n is a positive odd vt v t 273 273
4 v0 = = = vt
t 273  t 273  30
integer. If the tuning fork has a frequency  1
273

SOUND WAVES 16
16
 = 720 × 0.9492 = 683.4 m/s effect and assume that the speed of sound in
air = 330 m/s.

Q.16 A piston is fitted in a cylindrical tube of small

cross- section with the other end of the tube
Sol
open. The tube resonates with a tuning fork of
frequency 512 Hz. The piston is gradually 2
pulled out of the tube and it is found that a 1
second resonance occurs when the piston is
pulled out through a distance of 32.0 cm.
When tuning fork is vibrated near shorter
Calculate the speed of sound in the air of the
limb,
tube.
v
Sol. = = 440
4 1

v 330 3
  1 = = = m = 18.8 cm
4(440) 4(440) 16

 When tuning fork is vibrated near bigger limb

3v 3(330) 9
= = 40  2 = = m
4 2 4(440) 16
32cm
We have, = 56.3 cm
(2n  1) v (2n  3) v
= =
4 1 4 2 Q.18 Two tuning fork P and Q gives 6 beats per
second. P resounds with a closed air column
(2n  1) v
1 = , 15 cm long and Q with a similar open column
4
30.5 cm long. Calculate the frequencies of
(2n  3) v
2 = forks.
4
Sol. Let frequencies of the forks be P and Q
2v v
  2 – 1 = = respectively.
4 2
v v
–2 v So, for P, p = =
10 × 32 = 4(0.15) 0 .6
2(512)
v v
v = 2 × 512 × 32 × 10–2 So, for Q, Q = =
2(0.305) 0.61
= 327.68 m/s  328 m/s
Beat frequency = p – Q
Q.17 A U - tube having unequal arm -lengths has v v
= 
water in it. A tuning fork of frequency 0.6 0.61
440 Hz can set up the air in the shorter arm in 0.01 v
=6
its fundamental mode of vibration and the 0.6  0.61
same tuning fork can set up the air in the 6  0.6  0.61
v=
longer arm in its first overtone vibration. Find 0.01
the length of the air columns. Neglect any end v 6  61
p = = = 366 Hz
0 .6 1

SOUND WAVES 17
17
 v 6  60 1
Q = = = 360 Hz =A sint + 2A (– sint)   = 0
0.61 1 2
So, as intensity  (amplitude)2
Q.19 Calculate the bulk modulus of air from the Hence, intensity of sound at P = 0
following data about a sound wave of Part-B Passage based objective questions
wavelength 35 cm travelling in air. The
pressure at a point varies between (1.0 × 105
Passage I (Question 21 to 22)
± 14) Pa and the particles of the air vibrate in
simple harmonic motion of amplitude A small sphere of radius R is arranged to
5.5 × 10–6 m . pulsate so that its radius varies in simple
harmonic motion between a minimum of
P p 
Sol. Bulk modulus B = = 0 R – R and a maximum of R + R with
V / V 2S0
frequency f. This produces sound waves in
where P0 = Pressure amplitude
= max. pressure variation = 14 Pa the surrounding air of density  and bulk
S0 = Displacement amplitude = 5.5 × 10–6 modulus B(The amplitude of oscillation of
m the sphere is the same as that of the air at the
14  35  10 –2
surface of the sphere)
B=
2(3.14)(5.5 10 – 6 )
Q.21 Find the intensity of sound waves at the
= 1.4 × 105 N/m2
surface of the sphere -

Q.20 Three sources of sound S1, S2 and S3 of equal (A) B 2f2(R)2 (B) 2 B 2f2(R)2
intensity are placed in a straight line with (C) 4 B 2f2(R)2 (D) 8 B 2f2R2
S1S2 = S2S3. At a point P for away from the
Sol.[B] Intensity = I = 2 2 S 02  2 v
sources, the wave coming from S2 is 120º
Here, S0 = amplitude of oscillation = R
ahead in phase of that from S1. Also, the
 = frequency = f
wave coming from S3 is 120º ahead of that
 = density
from S2. What would be the resultant intensity
B
of sound at P ? v = velocity of sound =

Sol. Because the 3 sources have equal intensity
their amplitude are equal
B
So, A1 = A2 = A3 = A(let) So, I = 2R)2f2

Amplitude of the resultant at P
y = y1 + y2 + y3
I = 22 (R)2 f2 B
 2 
= Asint + Asin  t  
 3 
Q.22 The total acoustic power radiated by the
 2 2  
+ A sin  t    sphere will be -
 3 3 
(A) B 3f2R2 (R)2
  2   4  
= Asint + A sin  t    sin  t  
  3   3  (B) 2 B 3f2R2 (R)2

     (C) 4 B 2f2R2 (R)2

= Asint + 2 sin t   cos 
  3  (D) 83 B f2R2 (R)2
Sol.[D] Power = Intensity × Area
SOUND WAVES 18
18
 = I × 4 R2 = 8 3 f2  R2(R)2 5 
 =  
2 2
or
5 harmonic, hence second overtone.
Passage II (Question 23 to 25)
In an organ pipe (may be closed or open) of
Q.25 Equation of the standing wave in terms of
99 cm length standing wave is setup, whose
excess pressure is-
equation is given by longitudinal
(Bulk modulus of air B = 5 × 105 N/m2)
displacement
2
2 (A) Pex = (125 N/m2) sin (y + 1 cm) cos2(400t)
 = (0.1 mm) cos (y + 1 cm) cos2(400) t 0 .8
0 .8
2
where y is measured from the top of the tube (B) Pex = (125 N/m2) cos (y + 1 cm) sin2(400t)
0 .8
in meters and t in second. Here 1 cm is the
end correction. 2
(C) Pex = (225 N/m2) sin (y + 1 cm) cos2(200t)
0 .8
2
(D) Pex = (225 N/m2) cos (y + 1 cm) sin2(200t)
0 .8
y
Sol.[A] Given equation is

 2
 = (0.1 mm) cos (y + 1 cm) cos 2(400)t
80
Q.23 The upper end and the lower end of the tube d
Now, Pex = – B
are respectively - dx
(A) open-closed (B) closed-open 2 2
= (5 × 105) (0.1 × 10–3) sin (y + 1 cm)
(C) open-open (D) closed-closed 0 .8 80
Sol.[A] Conceptual cos 2 (400)t
2
Q.24 The air column is vibrating in- = (125  N/m2) sin (y + 1 cm) cos 2
80
(A) first overtone (B) second overtone (400)t
(C) third harmonic (D) fundamental mode
Sol.[B] Given equation is
2
 = (0.1 mm) cos (y + 1 cm) cos 2(400)t
80
2 2
Now,   = 80 cm
80 
Effective length of air column
 = 0.99 + 0.01 = 1m
= 100 cm
 100 5
Now,  
 80 4
5
= 
4

SOUND WAVES 19
19
SOUND WAVES 20
20
 EXERCISE # 4
lengths corresponding to the 3rd harmonic, 4th
 IIT-JEE questions harmonic, 7th harmonic, etc. Then
 v 
Q.1 Two monatomic ideal gases 1 and 2 of 3  = 212.5  1 = 1.2 m
molecular masses m1 and m2 respectively are  4 1 
enclosed in separate containers kept at the same  v 
temperature. The ratio of the speed of sound in 5  = 212.5  2 = 2.0 m
gas 1 to that in gas 2 is given by –  4 2 
[IIT-2000]  v 
7  = 212.5  3 = 2.8 m

m1 m2  4 3 
(A) (B)
m2 m1  v 
9  = 212.5  4 = 3.6 m
m1 m2  4 4 
(C) (D)
m2 m1 or heights of water level are (3.6 – 0.4)m,
1 v m2 (3.6 – 1.2)m, (3.6 – 2.0)m and (3.6 – 2.8)m
Sol.[B] v   1 = A
m v2 m1
1
Q.2 A 3.6 m long vertical pipe resonates with a
H
source of frequency 212.5 Hz when water
level is at certain heights in the pipe. Find the
heights of water level (from the bottom of the 2 a
pipe) at which resonances occur. Neglect end
 Heights of water level are 3.2 m, 2.4 m, 1.6
correction. Now, the pipe is filled to a height
m and 0.8 m. Let A and a be the area of cross
H ( 3.6 m).
sections of the pipe and hole respectively.
A small hole is drilled very close to its
Then
bottom and water is allowed to leak. Obtain
an expression for the rate of fall of water A = (2 × 10–2)2 = 1.26 × 10–3 m2
level in the pipe as a function of H. If the a = (10–3)2 = 3.14 × 10–6 m2
radii of the pipe and the hole are 2 × 10–2 m Velocity of efflux, v = v  2gH
and 1 × 10–3 m respectively, calculate the
time interval between the occurrence of first continuity equation 1 and 2 gives
two resonances. Speed of sound in air is 340   dH 
a 2gH = A 
m/s and g = 10 m/s2. [IIT 2000]  dt 
Sol. Speed of sound, v = 340 m/s
Rate of fall of water level in the pipe
Let 0 be the length of air column
dH a
corresponding to the fundamental frequency. = 2gH
dt A
Then
Substituting the values, we get
v
= 212.5 dH 3.14  10 –6
4 0  = 2 10  H
v 340
dt 1.26  10 – 3
0 = = = 0.4 m dH
4(212.5) 4(212.5) = 1.11 × 10–2 H
dt
Between first two resonances, the water level
0.4m
1.2m falls from 3.2 m to 2.4 m,
2m 2.8m 2.4 t
dH
3.2m
2.4m
1.6m

3.2
H
= – (1.11 × 10–2)  dt
0
0.8m
In closed pipe only odd harmonics are  
2 2.4  3.2 = – 1.11 × 10–2 t
obtained. Now let 1, 2, 3, 4 etc. be the t  43 sec
SOUND WAVES 21
21
Q.3 Two narrow cylindrical pipes A and B have v 3V
Sol.[B] =
the same length. Pipe A is open at both ends 4( 1   e ) 4( 2   e )
and is filled with a monoatomic gas of molar
 3(1 + e) = 2 + e
mass MA. Pipe B is open at one end and
closed at the other end, and is filled with a  2e = 2 – 31
diatomic gas of molar mass MB. Both gases 0.35  3  0.1
le = = 0.025
are at the same temperature. [IIT-2002] 2
(a) If the frequency of the second harmonic of
the fundamental mode in pipe A is equal Q.5 A tuning fork of frequency 480 Hz resonates
to the frequency of the third harmonic of with a tube closed at one end of length 16 cm
the fundamental mode in pipe B, and diameter 5 cm in fundamental mode.
determine the value of MA / MB. Calculate velocity of sound in air.
(b) Now the open end of pipe B is also closed [IIT-2003]
(so that the pipe is closed at both ends).  v
Sol. ( + 0.6r) = =
Find the ratio of the fundamental 4 4f
frequency in pipe A to that in pipe B.  v = 4f (+ 0.6r) = 336 m/s
Sol. (a) Second harmonic in pipe A = 2 [(0)A]
Third harmonic of pipe B = 3 [( 0)B]
A B Q.6 A closed pipe is placed in box having air
Gas(Monoatomic) Gas(Diatomic)
MA MB density 1. An open pipe is placed in another

  box having air density 2. The frequency of

v v first overtone for both the pipe are same. The
2   = 3 
 2   4  length of closed pipe is L. The
1  A RT 3  B RT compressibility of air in two boxes are same.
=
 MA 4 MB
Then length of open pipe is- [IIT-2004]
M 400
 A = [A = 1.67 and  = 1.4] L 4L 1
MB 189 (A) (B)
2 3 2
 A RT  B RT
(b) (v0)A = (v0)B =
MA MB 4L 4L 2
(C) (D)
(v0 )A A MB 3 3 3 1
 =  = 
(v0 )B MA B 4 Sol.[B] fC = f0
3v C 2 v 0 4 v 
Q.4 In the experiment for the determination of the =  0 =  0 L

4 L 2 0 3  vC 
speed of sound in air using resonance column
method, the length of the air column that 
Now, v =
resonates in the fundamental mode, with a 
tuning fork is 0.1 m. When this length is 1
As B is same for both cases, v  ,
changed to 0.35 m, the same tuning fork 
resonates with the first overtone. Calculate
v0 C 1
the end correction. [IIT – 2003] So = = 
vC 0 2
(A) 0.012 m (B) 0.025 m
(C) 0.05 m (D) 0.024 m
SOUND WAVES 22
22
 4 1 Here n is odd and f2 > f1
  0 = L It is possible when n = 5
3 2
5v 5
because with n = 5, f2 = = f1
Q.7 A resonance tube is resonating with tuning 4 4
fork of frequency 512 Hz. The first resonance Q.9 In the experiment to determine the speed of
occurs at the length of 30.7 cm and second sound using a resonance column,
resonance occurs at length of 63.2 cm.
Maximum error in the determination of [IIT-2007]
velocity [IIT-2005] (A) prongs of the tuning fork are kept in a
(A) 280 cm/sec (B) 204.8 cm/s
vertical plane
(C) 102.4 cm/s (D) 161.5 cm/s
Sol.[B] (B) prongs of the tuning fork are kept in a
horizontal plane
1 + e (C) in one of the two resonances observed,
2 + e
the length of the resonating air column is
close to the wavelength of sound in air
(D) in one of the two resonances observed,
For first For second
the length of the resonating air column is
resonance resonance
For first resonance close to half of the wavelength of sound
 in air
1 + e = ... (1)
4 Sol.[A] As shown in the figure, the prongs of the
3
2 + e = ... (2) tuning force are kept in a vertical plane.
4
But v = 
(2) – (1) 2 – 1 = /2   = 2(2 – 1)
 v = (2(2 – 1)) = 2(2 – 1)
dv  d d 
= 2  2  1 
dt  dt dt 
or v = 2(2 + 1) Q.10 A student performed the experiment to
= 2 × 512 (0.1 + 0.1) = 204.8 cm measure the speed of sound in air using
(Since lengths are measured upto first
decimal place, the maximum error in their resonance air-column method. Two
value can be 0.1 cm) resonances in the air-column were obtained
by lowering the water level. The resonance
Q.8 An open organ pipe vibrating in second with the shorter air-column is the first
harmonic having frequency f1. Its one end is
resonance and that with the longer air-column
closed & frequency slowly increases to f2 &
is the second resonance. Then –
vibrates in nth harmonic then possible values
of n & f2 [IIT-2005] [IIT-2009]
3 5 (A) the intensity of the sound heard at the
(A) n = 3; f2 = f1 (B) n = 3; f2 = f1
4 4 first resonance was more than that at the
5 3 second resonance
(C) n = 5; f2 = f1 (D) n = 5; f2 = f1
4 4 (B) the prongs of the tuning fork were kept in
v nd a horizontal plane above the resonance
Sol.[C] f1 = (2 harmonic of open pipe)
 tube
nv th (C) the amplitude of vibration of the ends of
f2 = (n harmonic of closed pipe) the prongs is typically around 1 cm
4
SOUND WAVES 23
23
 (D) the length of the air-column at the first each system with statements given in
resonance was somewhat shorter than Column-II describing the nature and waves.
1/4th of the wavelength of the sound in air [IIT-2011]

Sol. [A,D]
 < /4
Column-I Column-II
Further, larger the length of air column, (A) Pipe closed at one end (p)Longitudinal
feebler is the intensity. waves

/4
 0 L
(B) Pipe open at both ends (q) Transverse
waves

Q.11 A hollow pipe of length 0.8 m is closed at one 0 L

end. At its open end a 0.5 m long uniform (C) Stretched wire clamped (r) 1 = L
string is vibrating in its second harmonic and at both ends
it resonates with the fundamental frequency 0 L
of the pipe. If the tension in the wire is 50 N (D) Stretched wire clamped (s) f = 2L
at both ends and at
and the speed of sound is 320 ms–1, the mass
mid-point
of the string is - [IIT-2010]
0 L
(A) 5 grams (B) 10 grams L/2 (t) f = 4L
(C) 20 grams (D) 40 grams Sol. (A)  p,t; (B)  p,s; (C)  q,s; (D)  q,r
(A)
v
Sol.[B] Fundamental frequency of closed pipe =
4
f
320 320 L
 = = 100 Hz 4
4  0.8 3.2
 f = 4L
Frequency of 2nd Harmonic of string (B) Longitudinal waves
v 1 T 1 50
= = ; 100 =
  µ  m/

50 100 f
 100 =  100 = L
m  0 .5 m 2
(C) Stretched wire clamped at both ends
100
10000 =  m = 10–2 kg = 10 gm
m

Q.12 Column-I shows four systems, each of the

f
same length L, for producing standing waves. = L f = 2L
2
The lowest possible natural frequency of a
(D)
system is called its fundamental frequency,
whose wavelength is denoted as 1. Match

SOUND WAVES 24
24
 f  (MCQs.)
+ f L
2 2
Q.14 A person blows into open end of a long pipe.
 f = L
As a result, a high pressure pulse of air travels
down the pipe. When this pulse reaches the
other end of the pipe, [IIT-2012]
Q.13 A student performing the experiment of (A) a high pressure pulse starts traveling up
Resonance Column. The diameter of the the pipe, if the other end of the pipe is
column tube is 4cm. The frequency of the open.
tuning fork is 512 Hz. The air temperature is (B) a low pressure pulse starts traveling up
38ºC in which the speed of sound is 336 m/s the pipe, if the other end of the pipe is
The zero of the meter scale coincides with the open
top end of the Resonance Column tube. When (C) a low pressure pulse starts traveling up
the first resonance occurs, the reading of the the pipe, if the other end of the pipe is
water level in the column is [IIT-2012] closed
(A) 14.0 cm (B) 15.2 cm (D) a high pressure pulse starts traveling up
(C) 16.4 cm (D) 17.6 cm the pipe, if the other end of the pipe is
Sol. [B] closed
0.6 r
Sol. [B,D]
/4


At rigid end there is no phase difference in

pressure wave, when end is open phase
difference of  come in pressure wave.
f = v
336 
 m ;  0 .6  r  
512 4
336
 100  1.2   ;  = 15.2 cm
512  4

SOUND WAVES 25
25
 EXERCISE # 5(ARCHIVES)
= 1.8 Ab = 0.2 A b

 Old IIT-JEE questions (d) y = y1 + y2

= A cos (ax + bt) – 0.8 A cos (ax – bt)
Q.1 The displacement of the medium in a sound = A (cos ax cos bt – sin ax sin bt)
wave is given by the equation y1 = Acos(ax+bt) – 0.8 A cos ax cos bt – 0.8 A sin ax sin bt
where A, a and b are positive constants. The = 0.2 A cos ax cos bt – 1.8 A sin ax sin bt
wave is reflected by an obstacle situated at x = – 1.6 A sin ax sin t + 0.2 A cos (ax + bt)
=0. The intensity of the reflected wave is 0.64
times that of the incident wave.
Q.2 Two radio stations broadcast their programs
[IIT-1991]
at the same amplitude A, and at slightly
(a) What are the wavelength and frequency of
different frequencies 1 and 2 respectively,
incident wave ?
(b) Write the equation for the reflected wave. where 2 – 1 = 103 Hz. A detector receives
(c) In the resultant wave formed after the signals from the two stations
reflection, find the maximum and simultaneously. It can only detect signals of
minimum values of the particle speeds in intensity  2A2.
the medium. (a) Find the time interval between successive
(d) Express the resultant wave as a maxima of the intensity of the signal
superposition of a standing wave and a received by the detector.
travelling wave. What are the positions of (b) Find the time for which the detector
the antinodes of the standing wave ? remains idle in each cycle of the intensity
What is the direction of propagation of of the signal. [IIT - 1993]
travelling wave ? Sol. (a) If the detector is at x = 0, two radio
waves can be represented as ,
b 2
Sol. (a) f = = y1 = A sin 1 t and y2 = A sin 2t
2 a
(Given A1 = A2 = A)
A1 I1 I1 By principle of superposition
(b) A  I  = =
A2 I2 0.64I y = y1 + y2 = A sin 1t + A sin 2t
= A [ sin1t + sin2t]
A 5A 
 A1 = =  A2 = 0.8 A  1  2  
   2
0 .8 4 = A 2 sin   t cos 1 t 
  2   2 
So y2 = 0.8 A cos (ax – bt + )    
= 2Acos  2 1  t
y2 = – 0.8 A cos (ax – bt)  2 
(c) vmax = Amax vmin = Amin  sin  1  2  t
 2 
= (A1 + A2) = (A1 – A2) 
= (A + 0.8 A) b = (A – 0.8A) b
SOUND WAVES 26
26
  1  2  motion at a point 2 cm from the mid-point
= A0 sin  t
 2  and those of the constituent wave in the rod.
  2  1  (Young's modulus = 2 × 1011 Nm–2, density =
Here, A0 = 2Acos  t
 2  8000 Kg m–3) [IIT- 1994]
So, intensity will be maximum when
Sol.
   1 
cos  2 t =  1
 2 
 2  1  5 2
  t = 0, , 2, 3, .... So  =  =  .....(1)
2 2 5
 
2 4 2n So Standing wave
t = 0, , , .... ,
 2  1  2  1  2  1 y = A sin (kx + 1) cos (t)
(n = 0, 1, 2, .... ) 2 
x + 1 = n x=
Therefore time interval between any two  2
successive maxima is

2 2  = n – x =
= = = 6.28 × 10–3 sec 2
 2  1 103
 =0
(b) The detector can detect if resultant intensity
y((x1t) = A sin Kx cos (t)
 2A2 or resultant amplitude  2 A
t = 2 = 0
  2  1 
2Acos  t  2A
 2  2 
y(x2t) = A dm x cos t  = KV = K
  2  1  1  
cos  t 
 2  2 2 2 2  1011
y(x1t) = A sin x cos t
Therefore the detector lies idle when value of  2  2 8000
 
  2  1  1  5 5
cos   t is between 0 and
 2  2 10 5 2  1011
= 2 × 10–6 sin x cos t
  2  1    2  8000
or when   t is between and or
 2  2 4 y(x1t) = 2 × 10–6 sin 5x cos 25000 t
  y (0.02, t) = 2 × 10–6 sin 0.1 cos (25000 t)
t lies between and
 2  1 2(2  1 )
Q.4 A gaseous mixture enclosed in a vessel of
  
t= – = volume V consists of one mole of a gas A
 2  1 2(2  1 ) 2(2  1 )
with  ( CP / CV) = 5/3 and another gas B with
 
= 3
s= 10 3 s = 1.57 × 10–3  = 7/5 at a certain temperature T. The
2 10 2
relative molar masses of the gases A and B
sec
are 4 and 32, respectively. The gases A and B
Hence detector lies idle for a time of
do not react with each other and are assumed
1.57 × 10–3 sec in each cycle.
to be ideal. The gaseous mixture follows the
equation PV19/13 = constant, in adiabatic
Q.3 A metallic rod of length 1 m is rigidly processes.
clamped at its mid-point. Longitudinal (a) Compute the speed of sound in the
stationary waves are set up in the rod in such gaseous mixture at T = 300 K.
a way that there are two nodes on either side (b) If T is raised by 1 K from 300 K, find the
percentage change in the speed of sound
of the mid-point. The amplitude of an
in the gaseous mixture. [IIT -1995]
antinode is 2 × 10–6 m. Write the equation of
Sol. A B
SOUND WAVES 27
27
 mA = 4g mB = 32 g
CP 5 Cp 7 Q.5 An open pipe is suddenly closed at one end
= = = =
CV 3 CV 5 with the result that the frequency of third
5R 3R 7R 5R
harmonic of the closed pipe is found to be
 CP = , CV = CP = , CV = higher by 100 Hz than the fundamental
2 2 2 2
For adiabatic process of the mixture frequency of the open pipe. The fundamental
PV19/13 = constant frequency of the open pipe is - [IIT–1996]
(A) 200 Hz (B) 300 Hz
Also, PV  mix = constant for adiabatic process, so
(C) 66.7 Hz (D) 480 Hz
19
mix = Sol.[A] Length of organ pipe is same in both cases.
13
n1C P1  n 2 C P2
Fundamental frequency of open pipe = f1 =
19
= v
n1C V1  n 2 C V2 13 and frequency of third harmonic of closed
2
5R 7R
1  n2  pipe
2 2 = 19
3R 5R 13 3v
1  n2  f2 =
2 2 4
5  7n 2 19 Given that, f2 = f1 + 100
=
3  3n 2 13 f2 – f1 = 100
 65 + 91n2 = 57 + 95 n2 3v v v
 = 100  = 100
 4n2 = 8  n2 = 2 4 2 4
(A) Speed of sound in the mixture = v
= 200 Hz = f1
 mix RT 2
M mix

n1M1  n 2 M 2 1 4  2  32 68 Q.6 The air column in a pipe closed at one end is

Mmix = = = g
n1  n 2 1 2 3 made to vibrate in its second overtone by a
tuning fork of frequency 440 Hz. The speed
19
 8.31 300 of sound in air is 330 m/s. End corrections
vsound = 13 = 401.03 m/s
68 may be neglected. Let P0 denote the mean
 10 – 3
3 pressure at any point in the pipe and P0 the
R (301) maximum amplitude pressure variation.
(b) At 301 K, v 'sound =
M mix [IIT -1998]
(A) Find the length L, of the air column.
R (300)
At 300 K, vsound = (B) What is the amplitude of pressure
M mix
variation at the middle of the column.
'
v sound 301 301 (C) What are maximum and minimum
=  v 'sound = vsound
v sound 300 300 pressure at the open end of the pipe ?
% change in velocity of sound (D) What are the maximum and minimum
'
v sound  v sound pressures at the closed end of the pipe ?
= × 100 Sol. (a) Frequency of second overtone of the closed
v sound
pipe
301
v sound  v sound
300
=  100
v sound
= (1.001665 – 1) × 100 = 0.166 %
SOUND WAVES 28
28
 pipe is 110 Hz. Find the lengths of the pipes.
5 [IIT -1998]
L
4 Sol. Let the lengths of pipes be 0 and C
respectively
Frequency of first overtone of open pipe,
x = 0; P = 0 2v v
0 = =
2 0 0
x = x; P ± P0 sin kx Frequency of first overtone of closed pipe,
3v
C =
4 C
5v 5v v 3v
= = 440  L = m Beat frequency = |0 – C| = 
4L 4  440  0 4 C
Substituting, v = speed of sound in air Fundamental frequency of closed pipe
= 330 m/s v
5  330 15 = = 110
L= = m 4 C
4  440 16
v 330 3
 15  C = = = m
4  4(110) 4(110) 4
4L 16 3
= =   = 330 v
5 5 4  3 = 2.2
(b) Open end is displacement antinode. 0 4 C
Therefore it would be a pressure node 330
 330 = ± 2.2
or at x = 0, P = 0 0
Pressure amplitude at x = x, can be 330 330
written as  332.2 or = 327.8
0 0
P = ± P0 sin kx
330 330
2 2 8 –1 0 = or  0 
where k = = = m 332.2 327.8
 3/ 4 3
0 = 0.9934 m or 0 = 1.0067 m
Therefore, pressure
amplitude at
L 15 / 16 15 Q.8 The ratio of the speed of sound in nitrogen
x= = or m will be
2 2 32 gas to that in helium gas, at 300 K is -
 8   15  [IIT–1999]
P = ± P0 sin    
 3   32 
2 1
5 P0 (A) (B)
= ± P0 sin = ± 7 7
4 2
(c) Open end is pressure node, i.e. P = 0 3 6
(C) (D)
Hence, Pmax = Pmin = Mean pressure (P0) 5 5
(d) Closed end is displacement node or
pressure antinode RT
Sol.[C] v=
Therefore, Pmax = P0 +P0 M
Pmin = P0 – P0
7 6
R (300) R (300)
 v N 2 = 5 , vHe = 3
Q.7 The first overtone of an open organ pipe beats
28 4
with the first overtone of a closed organ pipe
with a beat frequency of 2.2 Hz. The
fundamental frequency of the closed organ

SOUND WAVES 29
29
 7 P
 300 Because, I =
v N2 5 4 r
 = 
v He 28 5 S
 300
3

7 43 3
= =  
5  28  5 5

Q.9 As a wave propagates – IIT - 1999]

(A) the wave intensity remains constant for a
r
plane wave
(B) the wave intensity decreases as the
Q.10 Two speakers are driven by the same
inverse of the distance from the source for
oscillator with frequency of 200 Hz. They
a spherical wave
are located 4m apart on a vertical pole. A man
(C) the wave intensity decreases as the
walks straight towards the lower speaker in a
inverse square of the distance from the
direction perpendicular to the pole, as shown
source for a spherical wave
in figure.
(D) total intensity of the spherical wave over
the spherical surface centered at the
source remains constant at all times L
d
Sol. [A,C,D]
For a plane wave intensity (energy crossing
per unit area per unit time) is constant at all (a) How many times will he hear a minimum
points. in sound intensity and
1 2 (b) How far is he from the pole at these
moments ?
Take the speed of sound to be 330 m/s and
ignore any sound reflections coming off the
ground.
Sol. [(a) 2 ; (b) 9.28 and 1.99m]
But for a spherical wave, intensity at a
distance 'r' from a point source of power.
P(energy transmitted per unit time) is given 4M
by.
x
330 33
=  = 1.65 m
200 20
S Maximum path difference xmax = 4m

for minima path difference (2n + 1)
2
I=
P 1
or I  2  3 5
2 or , ,
4r r 2 2 2
1 x 4  2
Note, for a line source I  Now,  = 4.84
r  1.65
2

SOUND WAVES 30
30
  3
So, two minima possible at and
2 2

Now, for path difference
2

42  x 2  x 
2
2
16 + x2 = x2 + + x
4
2 (1.65) 2
16  16 
x= 4  4 = 9.284 m
 1.65
3
For 2nd minima at path difference
2
3
x 2  42  x 
2
92
16 + x2 = x2 + + 3x
4
9
16  2
x= 4
3
9
16  (1.65) 2
x= 4 = 1.994 m
3  1.65

SOUND WAVES 31
31