Sound Wave

Front

What is a sound wave?

Back

A sound wave is a type of mechanical wave that propagates through a medium (such as air, water, or solids) due to the vibration of particles.

Front

Define the term 'harmonic' in the context of sound waves.

Back

A harmonic is a frequency that is a whole number multiple of a fundamental frequency, contributing to the overall sound produced by vibrating systems.

Front

What is the first harmonic of a vibrating string?

Back

The first harmonic, or fundamental frequency, is the lowest frequency at which a string vibrates, producing a single wave with nodes at both ends.

Front

How are nodes and antinodes defined in a standing wave?

Back

Nodes are points of no displacement in a standing wave, while antinodes are points of maximum displacement.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength in sound waves?

Back

The frequency and wavelength of a sound wave are inversely related; as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.

Front

What is the second harmonic of a vibrating string?

Back

The second harmonic is the first overtone, where the string vibrates in two segments, creating one node in the middle.

Front

Explain the concept of resonance in sound waves.

Back

Resonance occurs when an object vibrates at its natural frequency due to an external force, amplifying the sound produced.

Front

What is the difference between a closed tube and an open tube in terms of sound production?

Back

A closed tube has one end closed and produces odd harmonics, while an open tube has both ends open and produces both odd and even harmonics.

Front

How does tension affect the frequency of a vibrating string?

Back

Increasing the tension in a vibrating string raises its frequency, while decreasing the tension lowers the frequency.

Front

What is the formula for calculating the frequency of the nth harmonic of a string?

Back

The frequency of the nth harmonic is given by f_n = n(v/2L), where v is the wave speed, L is the length of the string, and n is the harmonic number.