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6 Sound & Hearing

Sound is produced through vibration of objects The kinetic energy is changed to sound energy.

In space, no one can hear you scream. WHY?

Properties of sound
Sound needs a medium to travel Sound can travel through solid, liquid and gas (air). Sound cannot travel in vacuum.

Astronauts in outer space cannot speak directly to each other.

Properties of sound
Sound travels fastest in solid. Because solid particles are arranged closely together. They can pass on the vibrations quickly. Sound travel slowest in gas. Because gas particles are very far apart.

Properties of sound
Bell jar

When switch is turned on, the electric bell vibrates & the ringing sound can be heard. Once vacuum pump is turned on, the air is slowly removed. As this happens, the sound gets weaker until it cannot be heard at all. INFERENCE: Sound cannot be heard in vacuum because no air particles is present to pass on the vibration.

ACTIVITY 1.6 To investigate the properties of sound

1. Strike the tuning fork on a rubber bung & place it near your ear. 2. Listen & observe what happened

ACTIVITY 1.6 To investigate the properties of sound

1. A tuning fork is struck with a metallic object. 2. Hold it inside a pan filled with water. 3. Observe what happened.

1. Sound can be reflected into different direction by hard and smooth surfaces. Eg: concrete walls, glass & metal. 2. Sound can be absorbed by soft and rough surfaces. Eg: carpets, curtains, soft board & sponge.

Reflection & absorption of sound

3. Reflected sounds are called echoes. 4. Hard & smooth surface reflect sound well.

Reflection & absorption of sound

5. Ships fitted with echo-sounder are able to determine the depth of the water.

ACTIVITY 1.6 To investigate the properties of sound

Materials: Styrofoam, cloth. Procedure 1. The apparatus as shown is set up. 2. Try to hear the ticking sound of the stopwatch (without materials).

ACTIVITY 1.6 To investigate the properties of sound

Procedure 3. Place a piece of styrofoam on the table. Listen to the ticking sound of the stopwatch. 4. Replace the styrofoam with a cloth. Listen & compare the ticking sound with what heard in step 2 & 3.

ACTIVITY 1.6 To investigate the properties of sound

Question 1. How is sound produced? 2. What can you conclude about sound from activity B? 3. Name the process in which sound is bounced back from a surface. 4. Which material absorbs more sound, the table surface or styrofoam?

Limitations on Hearing
As we grow old the ear drum becomes less sensitive. Devices that helps us to hear a) Stethoscope to hear soft sound of our heart beat b) Loud speaker amplify the sound c) Hearing aid rectifies defect in hearing

Stereophonic hearing

Involves the use of two ears to listen Stereophonic hearing help us to detect the direction of a sound. When a sound comes from the right, our right ear detects the sound slightly earlier than left ear. The sound heard by right ear is louder than left ear.