Answering MCQs on Sound Amplitude and Intensity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two multiple-choice questions related to sound, specifically focusing on concepts such as amplitude, intensity, frequency, and pitch. Participants are exploring the relationships between these concepts in the context of sound waves.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to analyze the relationship between rapid compression and expansion in sound waves and its implications for frequency and pitch. There is also discussion on how loudness relates to amplitude and intensity, with some questioning the validity of the multiple-choice questions based on their interpretations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and clarifications on the properties of sound waves. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationships between frequency, pitch, and intensity, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct answers to the multiple-choice questions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of sound properties and their interrelations, with some expressing confusion over the questions posed. There is an acknowledgment that the questions may not be straightforward, leading to varying interpretations.

UNknown 2010
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Homework Statement


Hi All,

I have two MCQ, I could not answer them.

All choices seem to be close to each others.

I would be so grateful if you could help me.

When the compression and expansion is very rapid, the sound is said to be high in:
a) amplitude
b) pitch
c) frequency
d) loudness
e) intensity

Pitch = Frequency so it can't be neither (C) nor (D) as I think
Amplitude related to intensity so it can't be neither (A) nor (E)
intensity = power/area = energy/time.area
energy is directly propotional to the square of change in amplitude
so it can't be (e) !

Could you show me the answer with clarification please ??


another MCQ

If one ertr to compare the wave form of a soft sound with the wave form of a much louder sound. The loud sound will have a greater ------------
a) frequency change
b) intensity change
c) pressure change
d) energy change
e) sound quality

Sure, it is not (e)

and (a), (b), (c), (d) are all interrelated !




Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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OK

You are getting confused here, I think

1. If the compression and expansion are rapid, that means that the time it takes to complete a cycle of compression and expansion is small, yes?

Now, I'm sure you understand that frequency is inversely proportional to period, so the frequency must be high.

However, the question does not ask you the properties of the wave itself - it is asking about what the wave sounds like. If you have a high frequency, you have a high pitch. Answer *should* be (b)

2. You are right when you say that they are related. However, everything other than intensity depends on a lot of factors other than the loudness! The only thing that can be certainly deduced from the question is that the sound will have a larger amplitude, that is to say, a larger intensity. I mean, the two sounds can both be at the same frequency, since frequency is defined not by loudness, but by the period of the wave!
 
Thanks for your fast reply.

2. so it's false MCQ ?!
 
No, its just that ONLY the intensity change is related to just the difference in waveforms
 

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