Question

If small bits of paper are placed on a drum why do they jump when the drum is struck?

Answer 1

1. The vibrations are produced on the surface of the drum and the surface starts vibrating.
2. Due to the vibration of the surface, the paper bits placed on the drum surface also start vibrating, they jump when the drum is struck.

Hence, due to the vibration of the surface of the drum when the drum is beaten with a stick the paper bits placed on the surface of the drum start vibrating and jumping.