Question

What are the properties that define a sound wave? Name at least three properties and provide their definitions. Two of the properties you define may describe the same aspect of the wave, but in different forms.

Answer 1

The properties that define the sound wave are

1. Wavelength

2. Frequency

3. Amplitude

4. Time period

5. Speed

But the three fundamental properties are wavelength, amplitude and frequency. Time period can be calculated from frequency.And speed can be calculated from wavelength.

Now we define these properties

1.Wavelength : The distance between two crests or two troughs is known as wavelength of a wave. It is denoted by  ' ​λ' . Its S.I. unit is 'm' .

2.Frequency : It is defined as the number of waves that passes through a fixed area in unit time . It is denoted by a greek letter nu or 'ν'. Its S.I. unit is Hertz (hz).

3. Amplitude :  The maximum displacement of points on a wave is called amplitude.

Less amplitude wave is soft sound .

And high amplitude wave is loud sound.

Time period is the inverse of frequency.

T = 1/ν

And speed can be calculated as

Speed = λ v