PHYS 1111 -
Introductory Physics I
Chapter 14 - Waves and Sound
Study Assignment:
Chapter 14, Sections 14.1 - 14.8
Lesson notes:
This lesson introduces wave motions and applies knowledge of waves to sound. Standing waves are also discussed.
Objectives:
1. Understand and be able to apply the relationship between the frequency, wavelength and speed of a wave.
2. Be able to qualitatively describe superposition and interference of waves.
3. Be able to describe the changes that occur upon reflection of a wave at a boundary between materials of different density.
4. Understand the nature and characteristics of sound waves.
5. Be able to describe the general properties of a medium which affect the speed of mechanical waves traveling in that medium.
6. Be able to determine intensity level in terms of the decibel.
7. Be able to calculate the intensity of a spherical wave originating from a point source at any position, given the intensity a single position.
8. Be able to describe the Doppler effect and calculate the perceived frequency shift in sound when the source, observer or both are in motion.
9. Be able to calculate the fundamental frequency and overtones for standing waves in a string fixed at both ends using the tension on the string and the mass per unit length.
10. Be able to calculate the speed of a wave in a string or wire under tension.
Vocabulary:
bulk modulus
condensations and rarefactions
intensity
audible waves
infrasonic waves
ultrasonic waves
Doppler effect
shock waves
Mach number
Homework:
Additional materials:
An animation of a traveling wave is provided by the University of Toronto.
Another nice simulation of a transverse traveling wave is provided at this link.
An animation of a standing wave is provided by the University of Toronto.
An animation of a longitudinal wave is provided by the University of Toronto.
A simulation of superposition and interference of waves is provided by Barney Taylor of the University of Miami - Hamilton.
A nice simulation of reflection and transmission of waves at a boundary is provided at this link.
An description of the Doppler effect is provided by the University of Toronto.
An animation of the case of the moving source in the Doppler effect is provided by the Physics 2000 project at the University of Colorado.
Another animation of the case of the moving source in the Doppler effect is provided by the University of British Columbia.
Additional resources are available from the text Web site.
Last update: December 01, 2006