Transmission of Sound (Edexcel GCSE Physics)

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Transmission of Sound

  • Sound waves are longitudinal waves
    • They transfer energy by the molecules vibrating and knocking into neighbouring molecules

  • The more molecules that are present the faster the wave can transfer energy, therefore:
    • Sound waves travel fastest in solids
    • Sound waves travel slowest in gases

  • When sound waves move from one medium to another, there will be changes to its:
    • Wave speed
    • Wavelength

  • The relationship between the wave speed, wavelength and frequency can be determined using the wave equation
  • This change in velocity can also result in a change of direction of the sound wave
    • This phenomenon is also known as refraction

Worked example

A child shouts across an empty field to a friend during the day, and then again during the night. They find that their friend can hear them more clearly at night because the sound travels further at night.Explain why sound travels further at night than during the day.

6WE Sound Transmission Question image, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Step 1: Identify the difference in conditions between the day and the night

    • During the day, it is warmer near the ground and cooler in the atmosphere
    • At night, it is cooler near the ground and warmer in the atmosphere

Step 2: Consider the effect of sound waves travelling between the two air temperatures

    • Sound waves can travel faster in hot air and slower in cold air
    • This change in temperature will cause the sound waves to refract

Step 3: Explain the motion of the waves during the day and the night

    • During the day, the sound wave will travel faster in the warm air and refract towards the sky as the wave slows down
    • At night, the sound wave will travel slower in the cool air and refract towards the ground as the wave speeds up

Step 4: Relate the explanation back to the question

    • Sound travels further at night because its speed increases as it moves from a denser medium (cold air) to a less dense medium (warm air)

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Ashika

Author: Ashika

Expertise: Physics Project Lead

Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.