A person has a hearing range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. What are the typical wavelengths of sound waves in air corresponding to these two frequencies? Take the speed of sound in air as 344 m s–1 .
Solution and Explanation
We know, Speed = Wavelength × frequency
\(V = λ × v\)
For \(v\) = 20 Hz
\(λ_1\) = \(\frac{v}{v_1}\) = \(\frac{344}{20}\) = 17.2 m
For v2 = 20,000 Hz
\(λ_2 =\frac{ v}{v_2} = \frac{344}{20,000}\) = 0.0172 m
Hence, the range of wavelength is 0.0172 m to 17.2 m.
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Concepts Used:
Sound
Sound is a vibration that propagates the mechanical wave of displacement and pressure, through a medium can be of any matter. In other words, the sound is the thin line between Music sound and Noise.
Types of Sounds:
Sound can be divided into two types depending on its frequency. The following are:-
Infrasonic Waves:
- Infrasonic waves have a frequency lower than 20 Hz. Since it is below the human hearing range, it is inaudible to humans.
- However, several other living organisms use these waves to communicate, whales, sharks, elephants, hippopotamus, etc. these waves are also used in the scientific field, it is used to study upcoming earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, human heart rates, rock formation stages, etc.
Ultrasonic waves:
- Ultrasonic waves have a frequency higher than 20 kHz. Since it is above the human hearing range, it is inaudible to humans.
- These waves are used in the scientific field, it is used to study human heart rates, to take sonograms, navigation of directions, imaging things, uniform sample mixing, communication, testing of samples, etc.