The chapter Sound explains how sound is produced, propagated through various media, and how humans perceive it. It introduces the mechanical nature of sound, longitudinal wave motion, characteristics of sound waves (amplitude, frequency, wavelength, time period, velocity), and their relationship through formulas. Concepts such as reflection of sound, echo, reverberation, and the use of SONAR are also discussed. It connects physics with technology and natural phenomena, making it one of the most relatable chapters.
II. Key Concepts Covered:
Concept
Explanation
Sound as Mechanical Wave
Requires a medium for propagation; cannot travel in vacuum
Longitudinal Waves
Particles vibrate in the direction of wave propagation (compression/rarefaction)
Frequency (f)
Number of vibrations per second (Hz)
Time Period (T)
Time for one complete vibration T=1fT = frac{1}{f}T=f1
Wavelength (λ)
Distance between two compressions or rarefactions
Wave Speed (v)
v=fλv = f lambdav=fλ; depends on medium
Reflection of Sound
Bouncing of sound from surfaces (used in SONAR, stethoscope)
Echo
Reflection heard after a time gap (≥ 0.1 s, ≥ 17.2 m)
Reverberation
Persistence of sound due to multiple reflections
SONAR
Sound Navigation And Ranging – uses ultrasonic waves
III. Important Questions:
(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark):
Speed of sound in air is approximately: a) 300 m/s b) 343 m/s ✅ c) 1500 m/s d) 1000 m/s
Which of the following is not a characteristic of sound? a) Loudness b) Pitch c) Transparency ✅ d) Quality
Which of these is used to measure depth of sea? a) Radar b) Echo c) SONAR ✅ d) Amplifier
Time taken by echo to return is 0.4 s. Distance of reflecting surface is: a) 68.6 m ✅ b) 34.3 m c) 100 m d) 17.2 m
(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks):
What is an echo? State the condition for hearing an echo.
How does sound propagate in air?
Why is SONAR not used in air?
Define amplitude and frequency. Give SI units. – PYQ 2020
(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks):
Derive the relation v=fλv = flambdav=fλ. Explain each term.
What is reverberation? Write two ways to reduce it in auditorium design.
Explain the working of SONAR with a labelled diagram.
A submarine sends ultrasonic waves which return after 2 s. If speed of sound in water is 1500 m/s, calculate depth of the sea. – PYQ 2021
(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills):
A person hears echo from a cliff after 2 seconds. Why do we not hear echo in a small room?
Why do astronauts use radio communication despite sound not traveling in space?
IV. Key Formulas/Concepts:
Formula
Description
v=fλv = f lambdav=fλ
Speed of sound = frequency × wavelength
T=1fT = frac{1}{f}T=f1
Time period = inverse of frequency
Distance=v×t2text{Distance} = frac{v times t}{2}Distance=2v×t
Echo formula (time includes to and fro)
Speed of sound in air≈343 m/stext{Speed of sound in air} approx 343 , text{m/s}Speed of sound in air≈343m/s
At 25°C
V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026):
No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.
VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026):