Grade 10 Sound Waves Vocabulary

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the fundamental concepts of sound waves, including wave properties, frequency ranges, medical applications of ultrasound, and mathematical formulas as presented in the Grade 10 lecture notes.

Sound waves

Waves created by vibrations in a medium in the direction of propagation that cause a regular variation in pressure.

Compression

A region of high pressure in a longitudinal wave caused by the to-and-fro movements of a vibrating source.

Rarefaction

A region of low pressure in a longitudinal wave caused by the to-and-fro movements of a vibrating source.

Longitudinal waves

Waves, such as sound waves, where the particles of the medium vibrate in the same direction as the wave propagation.

Echo

A reflection of a sound wave that occurs when sound waves strike an obstruction.

Echolocation

A method used by animals like bats and dolphins where they send out sounds (shrieks or clicks) and use the time taken for the echo to return to estimate distance from prey or objects.

Sonar

A technology used by ships to detect submarines, search for wreckages, or determine the depth of the ocean by sending out a sound frequency and timing its reflection.

$$V = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}$$

The formula for the speed of sound, where $V$ is speed in $\text{m} \cdot \text{s}^{-1}$, $\Delta x$ is distance in meters ($\text{m}$), and $\Delta t$ is time in seconds ($\text{s}$).

Pitch

The effect produced in the ear due to the sound of a particular frequency; it is directly proportional to frequency.

Loudness

A subjective term describing the strength of the ear's perception of a sound; it is directly proportional to the amplitude of the wave.

Decibels ($dB$)

The unit used to measure the loudness of sound.

Pain threshold

The loudness level of $120 \, dB$ at which the human ear experiences pain and can be damaged.

Quality (Tone)

The characteristic that allows the ear to distinguish between two sounds that have the same pitch and loudness but different wave patterns.

Noise

Sounds consisting of a large number of unrelated different frequencies.

Audible Sound

Sounds within the human hearing range, typically between $20 \, Hz$ and $20 \, 000 \, Hz$ ($20 \, kHz$).

Infrasound

Sounds with frequencies below the human hearing range, or less than $20 \, Hz$.

Ultrasound

Sound with frequencies higher than what is audible to the human ear, generally from $20 \, kHz$ up to about $100 \, kHz$.

Wave Equation

The formula $v = f \lambda$, showing that frequency ($f$) and wavelength ($\lambda$) are inversely proportional.

Non-invasive procedure

A medical procedure, like an ultrasound, that can diagnose or treat without the use of surgery, resulting in low risk and quick recovery.

Transmitter

A component in an ultrasound probe that sends ultrasound waves into the body.

Receiver

A component in an ultrasound probe that captures reflected waves (echoes) and sends them to a computer to create an image.