Sound waves quiz, Physics grades 9-10 (free)

Quick answer: Sound is a longitudinal wave of compressions and rarefactions that needs a medium to travel through. This Physics 9-10 quiz checks sound waves with 10 multiple-choice questions and instant feedback; every answer comes with a short explanation.

Sound waves quiz for GCSE physics: 10 questions with answers

This sound waves quiz for physics grades 9-10 has quick multiple-choice questions with instant feedback. Need a refresher first? Read the lesson or do the worksheet on sound waves.

Choose the best answer for each question. Only one option is correct. The wrong options come from typical mistakes, such as forgetting to halve an echo distance or mixing up loudness and pitch.

Level: Physics grades 9-10 (GCSE · IGCSE · O Level · Class 9-10) · Curriculum: IGCSE 3.4

Contents

Sound waves quiz: the questions

What type of wave is sound?

In which of these can sound NOT travel?

In which medium does sound travel fastest?

An echo is heard 2.0 s after a shout. The reflecting wall is at distance (v = 330 m/s)

Which frequency is ultrasound?

What makes a sound louder?

A note has frequency 330 Hz in air (v = 330 m/s). Its wavelength is

A sonar pulse takes 0.40 s to return from the seabed (v = 1500 m/s). The depth is

The time between lightning and thunder lets you estimate distance because

A higher pitch sound has

What type of wave is sound? — Longitudinal.

Speed of sound in air? — About 330 m/s

Speed of sound in water? — About 1500 m/s

Human hearing range? — 20 Hz to 20 000 Hz

What is ultrasound? — Frequency above 20 kHz.

Echo distance formula? — d = v t / 2

What sets loudness? — Amplitude.

What sets pitch? — Frequency.

Can sound travel in a vacuum? — No, it needs a medium.

Which medium carries sound fastest? — Solids, such as steel.

Sound waves quiz for GCSE physics: 10 questions with answers

Sound waves quiz: the questions