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Characteristics of sound — KCSE Physics

KCSE Physics · 122 practice questions · 8 syllabus objectives

40 easy41 medium41 hard

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

Describe interference of sound using two loudspeakers and explain beats and beat frequency

Relate pitch of sound to frequency and loudness to amplitude; state the audible frequency range for humans (20–20,000 Hz)

Explain resonance and describe applications of resonance in music and engineering

Describe the Doppler effect and explain the change in perceived frequency when a source or observer moves

Relate pitch to frequency and loudness to amplitude; state ways to change frequency of a vibrating string

Define quality (timbre) and explain how overtones determine the character of a musical note

State the audible frequency range, define ultrasound and infrasound, and describe applications of ultrasound

Characteristics of sound

Sample Questions

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1
easySHORT ANSWER2 marks

Name two factors that determine the quality (timbre) of a musical note produced by a musical instrument. (2 marks)

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Part (a) — 2 marks
The number and relative intensity of overtones present in the sound (1 mk)
The waveform or shape of the sound wave produced (1 mk)
2
easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

List two factors that affect the pitch of a sound produced by a vibrating string and explain how each factor influences pitch. (4 marks)

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Part (a) — 2 marks
Tension in the string (1 mk)
Length of the string (1 mk)
Part (b) — 2 marks
Increasing tension raises the pitch, as higher tension increases frequency (1 mk)
Decreasing the length of the string raises the pitch, as a shorter length increases frequency (1 mk)
3
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

Explain the Doppler effect in sound, and state what happens to the frequency perceived by an observer when a sound source moves towards them. (3 marks)

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Part (a) — 1 mark
The Doppler effect is the change in frequency of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the source of the wave. (1 mk)
Part (b) — 2 marks
The frequency perceived by the observer increases as the sound source approaches. (1 mk)
This occurs because the sound waves are compressed, resulting in a higher frequency. (1 mk)
4

State the phenomenon that occurs when an object vibrates at its natural frequency. (1 mark) Name two applications of resonance in musical instruments. (2 marks) Explain how resonance is used in engineering structures. (1 mark)

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Why Practise Characteristics of sound?

KNEC Aligned

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