Sound Waves Basics
IGCSE Edexcel Physics
3.2, 3.23 Sound Waves
Key Concepts:
Sound waves are longitudinal and can be reflected and refracted.
Section A: Properties
1. State whether sound waves are longitudinal or transverse.
[1]
2. Explain how sound can be reflected to produce an echo.
[2]
3. Describe how sound can be refracted.
[2]
Section B: Calculation
4. A sound wave has frequency 170 Hz and speed $340\,m/s$. Calculate wavelength.
[2]
Total marks: 7
Mark Scheme
1.
Longitudinal [1]
2.
Sound reflects from a surface and returns to the listener [2]
3.
Refraction occurs when speed changes in different air layers [2]
4.
$\lambda = v/f = 340/170 = 2\,m$ [2]