Correct Option
The correct option isDesigning of soundboards in concert halls
Explanation
Sound waves, similar to light waves, follow the laws of reflection. When sound strikes a hard surface, it bounces back into the same medium. This property is utilized in architectural acoustics and various instruments to direct sound energy efficiently towards a target area.
Option Analysis
- Formation of beats is incorrect: The formation of beats is a phenomenon resulting from the interference of two sound waves of slightly different frequencies traveling in the same direction. It is based on the principle of superposition, not reflection.
- Designing of soundboards in concert halls is correct: Soundboards are curved (concave) surfaces placed behind the speaker or stage in concert halls. The sound source is typically positioned at the focus of this curved surface. Sound waves striking the board are reflected parallelly towards the audience, ensuring that sound is distributed uniformly across the hall even to distant corners.
- Diffraction of sound around corners is incorrect: Diffraction refers to the bending of sound waves around the corners of an obstacle or through an opening. While this explains why sound can be heard from around a corner, it is a distinct wave property separate from reflection.
- Refraction of sound layers in the atmosphere is incorrect: Refraction involves the bending of sound waves as they propagate through layers of the atmosphere with varying temperatures or densities. This is caused by a change in the speed of sound in different media, not by reflection off a surface.
Key Takeaway
Soundboards utilize the principle of reflection of sound to direct sound waves from a source towards the audience, preventing the dissipation of sound energy in unwanted directions.