Ch 17 Assessment Answer Physical Science
Chapter 17 of Physical Science deals with sound waves and their properties. The assessment questions at the end of the chapter help reinforce the concepts covered in the chapter. In this article, we will provide detailed analysis of those questions and provide understandable and clear answers to the reader.
1. What is sound?
Sound is a type of energy that is caused by vibrations in matter. It travels through a medium, such as air or water, and can be heard by the human ear.
2. What is the difference between a longitudinal wave and a transverse wave?
A longitudinal wave is a type of wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate back and forth in the same direction that the wave is moving. Sound waves are examples of longitudinal waves. A transverse wave is a type of wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction that the wave is moving. Examples of transverse waves include light waves and water waves.
3. What factors affect the speed of sound?
The speed of sound is affected by the temperature, humidity, and density of the medium through which it is traveling. In general, sound travels faster in solids and liquids than in gases.
4. What is the relationship between frequency and pitch?
Frequency refers to the number of vibrations that occur in a sound wave per second. Pitch refers to how high or low a sound seems to be. The higher the frequency of a sound wave, the higher its pitch.
5. Explain how echoes occur.
When sound waves encounter a surface, some of the waves are reflected back toward the source. This results in an echo. The time it takes for the reflected sound wave to return to the source depends on the distance between the source and the reflecting surface.
6. What is the purpose of a sonar system?
A sonar system is used to detect objects underwater. It works by sending out sound waves and measuring the time it takes for the waves to bounce back. The information collected from the sonar system can be used to create images of underwater objects.
7. How does the ear process sound?
The ear consists of three main parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. Sound waves enter the outer ear and travel down the ear canal to the eardrum. The eardrum vibrates in response to the sound waves, and these vibrations are transferred to the middle ear, where they cause three small bones (the ossicles) to vibrate. The vibrations of the ossicles are then transmitted to the inner ear, where they cause the fluid-filled cochlea to vibrate. The vibrations in the cochlea stimulate tiny hair cells, which send signals to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.
8. What is the difference between loudness and intensity?
Loudness refers to how loud a sound seems to be. Intensity refers to the amount of energy that is carried by a sound wave. While loudness and intensity are related, they are not the same thing. Two sounds can have the same intensity but different loudness, depending on factors such as the distance between the source and the receiver.
9. Explain what happens when a sound wave encounters a barrier.
When a sound wave encounters a barrier, some of the wave is reflected back toward the source, while some of the wave is transmitted through the barrier. The amount of reflection and transmission depends on the density and composition of the barrier.
10. What is resonance, and how does it relate to musical instruments?
Resonance is a phenomenon that occurs when an object is forced to vibrate at its natural frequency. In musical instruments, resonance is what gives each instrument its distinctive sound. For example, when a guitar string is plucked, it vibrates at its natural frequency, causing the guitar body to resonate and amplify the sound. Similarly, when air is blown across the opening of a flute, the air column inside the flute resonates at certain frequencies, producing specific tones.
In conclusion, Chapter 17 of Physical Science covers sound waves and their properties. The assessment questions at the end of the chapter provide an opportunity for students to test their understanding of the concepts covered. In this article, we have provided detailed analysis of those questions and provided answers that are understandable and clear to the reader. By mastering the concepts covered in this chapter, students can gain a deeper appreciation for the world of sound and its many applications.
