EXPERIMENTAL COMPETITION

Problems and tasks

9th Asian Physics Olympiad
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (April 24, 2008 )

THE PHYSICS OF SOUND WAVE (20 points)

Our environment is filled with sound and sound effects. This experimental problem related to
the ultrasonic and sonic effects and consists of four parts. In part 1 the characteristics of the
ultrasonic microphone system should be acquired. Afterwards we will observe and explain
interference phenomena, then will study the Doppler Effect, and finally will determine the
threshold of human hearing and resolving power.

List of Apparatus and materials

label Component Q’ty label Component Q’ty

A Function Generator 1 K Mirror magnetic holder with ruler 1
B Ultrasonic Amplifier 1 L Rotating disc
C AC Millivoltmeter 1 M A motor attached to the optical bench 1
D Frequency counter 1 N Connection coaxial cables 4
E variable DC Power Supply 1 O Rotating holder with angle meter 1
F Ultrasonic transducer for 1 P Stereo Headphones 1
Source (Red labeled)
G Ultrasonic microphone for 1 R Optical bench 1
Detector ( Blue labeled)
H Source holder 1 T Variable resistor (rheostat) 1
I Detector holders 1 Ruler
J Меtal mirror/ Reflector 1

L J B
D C
E
R
K
M

P O T I H F G A N

Figure 1. Apparatus and materials

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Apparatuses and materials (continued)

1. Instructions for Synthesized Function Generator (Item A)

Main Entry Shift Output
Displa Keys Key ON/OFF
y key

Power Frequency Duty Amplitude Main

Switc Adjustment Control Control Outpu
h Knob Offset TTL t
Contro Outpu
l t
- The power button may be pressed for “ON” and pressed again for “OFF”.
- Select the frequency range and use proper button: to move the cursor in the main
display (frequency editing point) use key “4” or “5” after pressing SHIFT key; to
specify the frequency unit use key “9” for kHz with SHIFT key.
- The frequency will be displayed in the main display. To see voltage of the signal
produced by the generator, use V/F button with SHIFT key.

- Use the frequency adjustment knob to tune proper frequency.

- To change the amplitude of the signal, you can use amplitude control knob.
- You should switch on “Output control ON/OFF key”, otherwise the generator will not
send the signal to the microphone.
- Do not use the “Duty control” in sine wave situation.

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2. Amplifier Adaptor (item B)
The amplifier itself does not do anything, it serves merely as an adaptor for connecting
plugs which otherwise would not match.

3. AC Millivoltmeter (Item C)

- Connect BNC type cable from Amplifier Adaptor to INPUT terminal.

- Set the RANGE to 100 V and switch on the power.
- Alter the RANGE selector switch until the pointer is at a position which located at
≥1/3 of the full scale, the reading can be taken easily. The number written in the
selector switch indicates the maximum measurable value in that range.

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 4. Frequency counter (Item D)

Signal Freq. Time On/Off

input button button button

• Connect the Signal cable to the “Signal input” connector

• Turn ON the frequency counter
• Press “Freq. button” and “Time button”
Frequency counter will be ready for measurement.

Caution: Be sure switch off the power of equipments before plug

in/out all connections, otherwise damage of equipments or sensors
will be occurred.

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PART 1. Characteristics of the microphone system ( 3 points )

Introduction
The property, called piezoelectricity, provides a convenient coupling between mechanical
oscillations of crystal, which occur at a very sharply defined frequency, and the electrical
properties of a circuit of which the crystal is a part. Piezoelectric materials are used to convert
electric and sound signals into each other. But they are distinguished by having a well
specified working frequency range. Therefore, in this experimental part, we have to determine
physical properties of the microphone which is made of piezoelectric material, before using it.

List of components
1. Function Generator (FG) 5. Ultrasonic transducer for Source (S) with
holder
2. Ultrasonic Amplifier 6. Ultrasonic microphone for Detector (D)
with holder
3. AC Millivoltmeter (MV) 7. Two connection coaxial cables
4. Rotating holder with angle meter 8. Calculator

Experiments and procedures

We will use two ultrasonic microphones, one of them will be used as signal source (red
labeled) and the other will be used as a signal receiver (blue labeled). The source receives the
signal from the function generator (FG) through the amplifier and converts the signal into a
sound wave. The signal receiver (it can be called as detector) that connected to a preamplifier,
receives the sound wave emitted from the source, and converts it to electrical signal. The
voltage of the output signal will be measured by AC Millivoltmeter.
Hints: The voltage of the signal given to the source (S) should be adjusted around 1V. If
it is more than this the ultrasonic wave will be saturated and it will affect your result.
The microphones are placed in the rotating holder and connected to an electrical cycle
with ultrasonic amplifier scheme. The distance between the source and the detector
should not be changed during the experiment. And please, make sure that the
microphones are placed parallel to holder base and the axes of the microphones are laid
on the same line.

1a. ( 1.5 points ) By changing the frequency of the signal from the FG, measure the voltage
of the output signal that converted by the detector. Measure in the range of input frequency
from 30 kHz to 50 kHz, and make sure the frequency range of the signal sent to the source in
a given range. Otherwise, the microphone will be damaged or out of order. Set the voltage
of the signal from the FG around 1V. Measured data will be filled into table 1A. Plot the
graph using measured data. Plot a measured rms signal voltage vs. frequency, determine the
cut-off frequencies f1, f2 where the measured rms signal voltage drops ) of the
maximum measured value. Hence, determine the bandwidth =f2-f1. Determine the working
frequency fw (at which the voltage of the signal from the detector will be at maximum) from
the obtained results.

1b. ( 1.5 points ) Set the frequency from the FG to the working frequency. Determine the
angular dependence of the intensity of the output signal on the position of the detector relative
to the source. Write the measured data in a Table 1B. Plot a graph of the dependence of the
voltage ratio on an angle φ, where A(φ) and A(0) are voltages of the output signal
at an angle φ and 0°, respectively. The direction has maximal detection, and is called
the axis of the source. Find angular values at which the voltage of the detected signal
decreases 2 and 3 times.

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PART 2. Interference of Waves ( 6 points )

Introduction
A standing wave pattern is a vibrational pattern created within a medium when the reflected
waves from mirror to interfere with incident waves from the source. The waves are interfering
in such a manner that there are points of no displacement produced at the same positions
along the medium. These points along the medium are known as nodes. There are other
points along the medium which undergo vibrations between a large positive and large
negative displacement. These points are known as antinodes.

List of components
1. Function Generator (A) 6. Metal mirror (J) and magnetic holder with
ruler (K)
2. Ultrasonic Amplifier (B) 7. Optical bench (R)
3. AC Millivoltmeter (C) 8. Two connection coaxial cables (N)
4. Ultrasonic transducer for Source 9. Calculator (X)
(F) with holder (H)
5. Ultrasonic microphone for Detector
(G) with holder (I)

Description of the Experiments

2a. Study of the Wave Interference ( 1.6 points )

Using the instruments 1-8 shown in the above list, assemble the experimental set up shown in
Fig. 2.1 and study the interference of the wave. To reduce possible undesirable interference be
cautious and place other instruments away from detector. Connect the functional generator to
the Source and set the frequency at 40kHz.

Top view

Side view

Fig. 2.1. Study of the wave interference.

Position A: The detector is placed between Source and Mirror.
Position B: The detector is placed behind the Source.
S- Source, M-Mirror, D-Detector

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2a.1. Place the detector in Position A which is shown in Figure 2.1 and observe the
dependence of the detected signal level on the positions of S, M and D. When the detector is
too close to the source there will occur unclear effects, therefore do not measure in close
distance to the source. Remember the detector has angular sensitivity. The detector should be
placed for optimum measurement.

2a.2. Place the detector in Position B which is shown in Figure 2.1 and observe the
dependence of the detected signal level on the positions of M and D. The position of S should
be fixed.

2a.3. Measurement of Wavelength.

As you did in the experiment 2a.1 fixing the positions of S and D and by moving M,
experimentally determine the wavelength λ of the ultrasonic wave.

2b. Find experimentally the correct answers to the following statements. ( 2.8 points )
Write down “√” for correct answers or “X” for incorrect answers below the label of the
chosen statements in your Answer sheet.

a. The standing wave will be observed between the S and M (Fig. 2.1). This standing
wave will occur for any values of the distance between S and M.
b. The standing wave will be observed between the S and M. This standing wave will
occur only when the distance between S and M equal to nλ/2. Where n is integer.
c. In the both positions A and B the detector will detect nodes and antinodes of the
standing waves. It can be proved by moving the positions of S and M.
d. The standing wave will occur for any values of the distance between S and M. It
can be observed experimentally by moving the position of D. In position B
detector will detect the high level of signal when the distance between S and M is
SM=nλ/4. Where n is odd integer.
e. The positions of the nodes and antinodes are immovable with respect to the lab
frame (bench) when the S and M are moved.
f. When the distance between S and M increased the level of the reflected wave in
position B will be periodic with decreasing amplitude.
g. The standing wave will occur only between S and M, but behind the Source the
reflected waves will be observed.

2c. Study of the Standing Wave ( 1.6 points )

In position B if the M is moved detector will detect the maximum minimum values of signal
level. In these cases identify either node or antinode occurred on the surface of the Mirror and
Source. If you identify the node write down “N” and if you identify antinode write down “A”
in the table.
Condition On the surface of Mirror On the surface of Source
When D detects maximum
When D detects minimum

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PART 3. The Doppler effect ( 8 points )
The observed and measured frequency of a signal changes by virtue of relative motion between the
source and the observer. This is known as the Doppler effect.
The observed frequency is given by the formulas

(Source and Detector receding) (1)

(Source and Detector approaching) (2)

where

frequency of the wave emitted by the Source

speed of sound in air

velocity of the Detector

velocity of the Source

List of components
1. Function Generator (FG) 7. Mоtor
2. Ultrasonic Amplifier 8. Rotating disc
3. AC Millivoltmeter (MV) 9. DC Power Supply
4. Frequency counter (FC) 10. Optical bench
5. Ultrasonic transducer for Source 11. Connection coaxial cables
(S) with holder
6. Ultrasonic microphone for Detector
(D) with holder

Description of the Experiment

The source (S) is placed so that the ultrasound strikes the tilts of the rotating disc from the
side, and the Detector is placed so that reflected ultrasound is detected more effectively. The
source is connected to the output of the Function Generator, and the Detector is to the
millivoltmeter to measure which will detect the sound intensity level, as explained in Part 1.
Before beginning the experiment, you should check changes in the sound intensity level by
moving the disk forward and back manually. If changes in the sound intensity level are small
then you should adjust the position of the sound source and the receiver properly. If the
apparatus is not adjusted properly there may occur an error in the measurements of the
sound intensity level and frequency.
• Switch on the motor of the rotating disk
• Observe the changes in the sound frequency by gently increasing the voltage on the
motor of the rotating disk
• It is necessary to prepare the instruments to the measurement for Part 3, it is advised to
use results from Part 1 and Part 2. For example, to set the working frequency etc. If
you could not determine the working frequency use 40 kHz as a working frequency.
Make sure, the voltage of the signal from FG is not saturated.

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3a. Formulas for the Doppler shift of sound from the rotating disk. ( 1.5 points )
• A sound wave from the Source reflects to saw tooth of the rotating disk (Figure 1) and
the Doppler effect will occur. If we denote as the velocity of motion of the saw
tooth in R direction, obtain a formula for in terms of , and , for this case.
Make it sure in the experimental setup, an angle dependence is negligible, or an
incident and a reflected angles should be less than 5º.
• From obtained expression, write a simplified formulae for Δf/f0 in function of v/c using
the abbreviation Δf=|f-fo|, for the case v<<c, where f0 is the working frequency. Whole
derivation procedure should be written on the Answer sheet.

Δl

Figure 1. The saw tooth of the rotating disk

3b. Calculations for the Doppler effect from the rotating disk ( 1.4 points )
Derive the expression for the radial velocity v of the middle point of saw tooth in terms of
angular velocity Ω of rotating disk and Δl. (The saw tooth’s height is Δl=4.37 ± 0.05 mm,
for further calculation).

3c. The Doppler effect in dependence on the motor voltage ( 2.8 points )
Measure frequency of the ultrasonic signal detected by the detector as a function of the
motor voltage up to 16V. Plot a graph vs U . From the graph at large U,
determine the value of threshold voltage Ut from which the exploration of the Δf goes
to zero, and the slope of the graph with an measurement error.
Hints: Make the rotating disk to rotate in Clockwise (CW) direction and don’t change it
further. Choose the detector position that it measures more stable and more effective.
To save your time you can measure electric current for Task 3d, simultaneously with the
measurement of motor voltage.
Make sure equipments that you use in Experimental part, are calibrated and measured
very well before using them. Each system has own specification which is given on special
sheet. For example, at 10V voltage, the frequency shift of the Doppler effect is given in
the specification sheet. Using these experimental results, you should calibrate your
system. Otherwise, the measurement will be incorrect.
3d. Linear dependence Ω of U ( 0.8 points )
From the specification sheet, find angular velocity Ω, voltage U and electric current I
with its measurement errors (for CW direction) and calculate numerical coefficients
and errors for the linear dependence Ω of U. Assume that at high voltages, Ω is

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 approximately proportional to the voltage. You should write the obtained values from
the specification on Answer Sheet.
3e. Speed of sound in air from the Doppler effect ( 1.5 points )
Put together the functional dependences and and find
from here the speed of sound in air with a measurement error. Using experimental and
theoretical values of the speed of sound in air find the relative error of your
experiment: *100 % .

where ctheor = 343 m/s speed of sound in air in audible range at 20 C. You can use
this value only in this part

PART 4: Threshold and Resolving Power of Hearing ( 3 points )

The threshold of hearing is the sound intensity in W/m2 at which our ear can barely hear it.
This threshold depends on sound frequency. The threshold of hearing at about 2000 Hz is
equal to 10-12 W/m2. The ratio log10(I/Io) is called as sound intensity level and is measured in
units of Bell, abbreviated as B. In the practice it is more convenient to use the ratio β (in dB)
= 10 log10(I/Io). The human ear can hear sounds from about 20 Hz to about 20,000 Hz. It
called that the audible range.

List of Apparatuses and Accessories

The following items are required for this experiment (Figure. 4.1)
1) Function generator (a)
2) AC Millivoltmeter (b)
3) Cable connectors (c, d)
4) Variable resistor (rheostat) (e)
5) Headphone (f)

Preparation
1. Connect the experimental apparatus as showed in Figure 4.2.
2. Switch on the power of the AC millivoltmeter and Function Generator.
3. Rotate the ADJ button and set it to the middle position.

(A) (B)
(b)

(a)

(f)

(d)
(c)
(e)

Figure 4.1 (A). Connections of the apparatuses. (B) Connections of the leads to the rheostat: plug in
the red lead from the function generator to the red socket and black lead to the black socket; connect
the red lead of AC millivoltmeter to yellow socket and the black lead to the black socket; and plug in
headphone lead to the headphone socket.

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 Function generator

input
power frequency MAIN
red cable 50Ω

red red
Rheostat cable
yellow
black

Headphone black
socket

Volume controller

headphone

Figure 4.2. The connection scheme.

Measurements
4a. The frequency region of one’s own hearing ( 0.5 points )
A. Determination of the lowest frequency to be heard, flow; and B. Determination of the
highest frequency to be heard, fhigh
1. Set the volume level of the headphone to the maximum using volume controller of
rheostat.
2. Find the lowest frequency, flow, to be heard. In order to do it you should change both of
sound level and frequency. To change the frequency use the frequency button of Function
Generator. To change the sound level you can use the rheostat and the AMPL ADJ button
of the Function Generator.
3. Use similar procedures and find the fhigh

4b. The frequency region to be heard the best ( 1 point )

1. Lower the sound intensity step by step. For each step find the flow and fhigh. Find out a
region where you can hear lowest level of sound intensity, as possible as can. The lower limit
of this region is lowest frequency of the frequency region to be heard the best, fth1; and upper
limit of this region is the highest frequency of the frequency region to be heard the best, fth2.
Average of this two limits or the most sensitive frequency to be heard is

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4c. Resolving power (R) of ear for different frequencies of sound. ( 1.0 point)

Resolving power of ear is an ability to distinguish two close frequencies.

1. Set the frequency of the generator to fth.

2. While hearing with the headphone, change the intensity to the level that you can hear well.
3. Change the frequency a little. If you can not hear a difference between fth and the changed
frequency, make the difference a little more. Find a frequency that you can hear as a
different from the fth . Difference between the fth and the changed frequency is resolveable
frequency of your ear at fth.
4. Calculate resolveable frequency (Δf) and resolving power for the fth.

4d. Find the minimum speed of the mirror which gives Doppler effect detected by one’s own
ears in the above frequency region. ( 0.5 points )

Evaluate the speed of the mirror and error of it using the following formula:

where c = 343 m/s speed of sound in air in audible range at 20 C. You can use this value
only in this part.

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