1. The cause of echo is primarily [A] reflection of sound. When sound waves encounter a large and hard surface, such as a building, cliff, or canyon wall, they reflect off the surface and return towards the source. If the distance to the reflecting surface is significant enough, the reflected sound reaRead more

    The cause of echo is primarily [A] reflection of sound. When sound waves encounter a large and hard surface, such as a building, cliff, or canyon wall, they reflect off the surface and return towards the source. If the distance to the reflecting surface is significant enough, the reflected sound reaches the listener’s ears distinctly after the original sound, creating an echo. The perception of an echo depends on the time delay between the direct sound and its reflection.

    Absorption of sound (option [C]) reduces echo by absorbing sound waves rather than reflecting them. Refraction of sound (option [B]) involves the bending of sound waves due to changes in temperature or density gradients, but it does not cause echoes directly. The speed of sound (option [D]) affects the timing of echo perception but is not the direct cause of echo itself. Therefore, reflection of sound (option [A]) is correctly identified as the cause of echo.

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  2. The decibel (dB) unit is primarily used for [C] the intensity of sound. It provides a logarithmic scale to measure the loudness or intensity of sound waves. Decibels allow us to quantify sound levels across a wide range, from the faintest audible sounds to extremely loud noises that can cause hearinRead more

    The decibel (dB) unit is primarily used for [C] the intensity of sound. It provides a logarithmic scale to measure the loudness or intensity of sound waves. Decibels allow us to quantify sound levels across a wide range, from the faintest audible sounds to extremely loud noises that can cause hearing damage. This unit is crucial in various fields such as acoustics, engineering, and environmental science for assessing and managing noise levels.

    Unlike options [A], [B], and [D], which are associated with different physical quantities (speed of light, intensity of heat, and frequency of radio waves, respectively), the decibel specifically denotes sound intensity. It helps describe how sound energy is perceived by the human ear, providing a standardized way to communicate and regulate sound levels in various contexts, from everyday environments to industrial settings and entertainment venues.

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  3. While shouting, a person keeps the palm near the mouth primarily because [A] in that position, the sound energy will point in one direction only. By cupping the hand around the mouth, the person creates a makeshift horn or amplifier that directs the sound waves forward. This action helps to concentrRead more

    While shouting, a person keeps the palm near the mouth primarily because [A] in that position, the sound energy will point in one direction only. By cupping the hand around the mouth, the person creates a makeshift horn or amplifier that directs the sound waves forward. This action helps to concentrate and focus the sound energy towards the intended target or direction, increasing the intensity and clarity of the shout. It can be particularly useful in noisy environments or over distances where clear communication is necessary. This technique does not change the completeness or tone of the sound (options [B] and [C]), but rather improves the efficiency of projecting the sound waves in a specific direction. Therefore, option [A] correctly describes why people use this method while shouting.

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  4. Among the processes listed, [C] Polarization does not occur in both light and sound. Polarization is a property of transverse waves where the oscillations occur in a single plane perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Light waves, being transverse electromagnetic waves, can be polarizedRead more

    Among the processes listed, [C] Polarization does not occur in both light and sound. Polarization is a property of transverse waves where the oscillations occur in a single plane perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Light waves, being transverse electromagnetic waves, can be polarized by filtering out vibrations in specific orientations.

    In contrast, sound waves are longitudinal waves, meaning the oscillations are along the direction of propagation. Sound waves do not exhibit polarization because their vibrations occur in a single direction aligned with the wave travel.

    Diffraction, reflection, and refraction (options [A], [B], and [D]) occur in both light and sound. Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles, reflection is the bouncing back of waves from surfaces, and refraction is the bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another.

    Thus, polarization stands out as the process unique to light waves and absent in sound waves, making it the correct answer.

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  5. Two people cannot hear each other on the surface of the Moon primarily because [B] there is no atmosphere on the Moon. Sound waves propagate through a medium, such as air, where molecules carry the vibrations from a sound source to a listener's ears. On the Moon, the vacuum of space extends to its sRead more

    Two people cannot hear each other on the surface of the Moon primarily because [B] there is no atmosphere on the Moon. Sound waves propagate through a medium, such as air, where molecules carry the vibrations from a sound source to a listener’s ears. On the Moon, the vacuum of space extends to its surface, devoid of any significant atmosphere or medium that could transmit sound.

    While special types of space suits (option [C]) are indeed worn on the Moon, they are primarily for providing life support and protection against the harsh lunar environment, not for transmitting sound. The lack of atmosphere also means that sound waves cannot travel, making communication via sound impossible without the aid of electronic devices or radio communication.

    Thus, the absence of an atmosphere on the Moon is the key reason why sound cannot travel and be heard between two people on its surface.

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