Calculating Intensity of Spherical Wave & Pendulum T - Confirm Correct Answers

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SUMMARY

The intensity of a spherical wave at a distance of 3 meters from a source emitting 21 W/m² at 16 meters is calculated using the formula I₂/I₁ = (r₁)²/(r₂)², resulting in an intensity of 588 W/m², which rounds to 600 W/m². For a pendulum with an original period (T) of 10 seconds, halving the length results in a new period calculated as T = 2π√(L/2g), leading to a new period of approximately 7.1 seconds. Both calculations confirm the principles of inverse square law for intensity and the square root relationship for pendulum periods.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of spherical wave intensity calculations
  • Familiarity with the inverse square law
  • Knowledge of pendulum motion and period formulas
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the inverse square law in wave physics
  • Learn about the effects of varying pendulum lengths on period
  • Explore applications of spherical waves in acoustics and optics
  • Investigate the relationship between gravitational acceleration and pendulum motion
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in wave mechanics and pendulum dynamics will benefit from this discussion.

Soaring Crane
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The intensity of a spherical wave is 21 W/m^2 at a distance 16 m away from a constantly emitting source. What will it be 3 m away?

Using the formula

I_2/I_1 = (r_1)^2/(r_2)^2

I got 588 W/m^2 0r 600. Correct?


If the length of pendulum with T = 10 s were halved, what would be its new T?

My answer was 7.1. Correct?

Halved scenario:

T = 2pi*sqrt(L/2g)

but first find original L with

10 s = 2pi*sqrt(L/9.8) to plug in.

Thanks
 
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first answer is correct: I is proportional to the inverse square since the source emits energy in spherical wave fronts and the surface area of a sphere is 4*pi*r^2.

the second anser sounds good but i haven't a calculator near me. The period of a pendulum is proportional to the square root of the length so T1/T2=(L1/L2)^.5 so the answer reduces to 10/2^.5 or 10/1.4
 
The second is right too.
 

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