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Question 8

A sound wave in water is a longitudinal wave consisting of alternate compressions and rarefactions.

a.

Explain how a rarefaction differs from a compression.

[1]
b.

Explain, in terms of rarefactions, what is meant by:

  1. the wavelength of the sound,
[1]
c.

Explain, in terms of rarefactions, what is meant by: 2. the frequency of the sound.

[1]
d.

Dolphins emit high-frequency sound waves underwater for echolocation. The speed of sound in seawater is 1500 m/s1500\text{ m/s}1500 m/s.

A dolphin emits a pulse of sound with a wavelength of 0.012 m0.012\text{ m}0.012 m. Calculate the frequency of the sound.

[2]
e.

State why this sound cannot be heard by human beings.

[1]
f.

The pulse of sound hits a target and is reflected back to the dolphin. The dolphin receives the reflected pulse 0.080 s0.080\text{ s}0.080 s after it was emitted. Calculate the total distance travelled by the pulse of sound during this time.

[2]
Markscheme

Sound Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /Sound

295 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics Sound, covering Sound. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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