Sound waves are mechanical waves which require a material medium for their propagation. They cannot travel through vacuum.
Sound waves are longitudinal waves. In sound waves, particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of propagation of the wave.
Sound waves travel in the form of compressions and rarefactions.
Sound is produced due to vibrations of a source. These vibrations are transferred from particle to particle through the medium.
The range of frequencies audible to the human ear is 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
Q1. Sound waves are: A) Transverse waves B) Electromagnetic waves C) Longitudinal mechanical waves D) Surface waves Answer: C Q2. Sound waves cannot travel through: A) Air B) Water C) Solid D) Vacuum Answer: D Q3. In sound waves, particles of the medium vibrate: A) Perpendicular to wave direction B) Parallel to wave direction C) Circularly D) Randomly Answer: B Q4. Regions of high pressure in a sound wave are called: A) Troughs B) Crests C) Rarefactions D) Compressions Answer: D Q5. Sound travels fastest in: A) Gases B) Liquids C) Solids D) Vacuum Answer: C Q6. The audible range of human ear is: A) 0–20 Hz B) 20–20,000 Hz C) 200–20,000 Hz D) 20–200,000 Hz Answer: B Q7. Sound waves require a medium because they are: A) Transverse B) Longitudinal C) Mechanical D) Electromagnetic Answer: C Q8. Rarefaction in sound wave corresponds to: A) High pressure B) High density C) Low pressure D) High energy Answer: C
Mechanical longitudinal waves that require a medium.
Particles vibrate parallel to direction of propagation.
20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
MCQs are frequently asked on nature of sound waves, compressions & rarefactions, medium requirement and audible range.
