Question

Cite an experiment to show that sound needs a material medium for its propagation.

Answer 1

Sound needs a material medium for its propagation:

1. Mechanical waves carry sound.
2. A mechanical wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium and transmits energy from one place to another.
3. A vibrating item causes a disturbance in sound. And the medium might be any collection of linked and interactive particles.
4. The propagation of sound requires a material medium.
5. Sound waves travel as longitudinal waves with compressions and rarefactions through the air as a medium.
6. Because a vacuum does not contain any molecules that may vibrate and convey sound waves, sound cannot travel through it.

Experiment:

1. The bell jar experiment demonstrates that sound propagation requires a medium.
2. To create a vacuum within the jar, use an electric bell and a sealed, or airtight, glass bell jar connected to a vacuum pump.
3. Place the bell inside the jar and suspend it.
4. You will be able to clearly hear the bell sound when you press the bell switch.
5. Now, with the help of a vacuum pump linked to the jar, remove the air from the glass.
6. The sound of the bell will be muffled this time, and after a while, there will be no sound at all.
7. This is due to the fact that nearly all of the air has been blasted out.
8. It demonstrates the importance of the medium in the propagation of sound.