What is the power of a sound source placed on a tall radio tower?

In summary, the given conversation discusses the calculation of the average power leaving a sound source placed at the top of a tall radio tower. The sound source has a frequency of 740 Hz, an amplitude of 19.4 nm at point A, and is located 13.5 m above the source. The air surrounding the tower has a density of 1.29 kgm-3 and sound travels through it with a velocity of 343 ms-1. The equation used to calculate the average power is P = (1/2)pAv(ws)^2, where p = density of air, v = sound velocity, s = maximum displacement (amplitude), w = 2Pi*f, and A = area of speaker.
  • #1
nicholasH
1
0

Homework Statement


A sound source is placed at the top of a tall (h = 189.6m) radio tower. The source has a frequency of 740 Hz and an amplitude of 19.4 nm at point A. The air surrounding the tower has a density of 1.29 kgm-3 and sound travels through it with a velocity of 343 ms-1. Point A is 13.5 m above the source. You may ignore any reflections of the sound from the ground.
Calculate the average power leaving the source.

Homework Equations


P = (1/2)pAv(ws)^2
where p = density of air = 1.29
v = sound velocity = 343
s = maximum displacement (amplitude) = 19.4e-9
w = 2Pi*f = 2960*Pi
A = area of speaker

The Attempt at a Solution


It seems that this question is unsolvable without being supplied with the area of the speaker. Unless the amplitude at Point A somehow depends upon this area, however I'm sure that it depends solely upon the size of the speakers vibrations, not the area of the surface causing them.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
The intensity of a sound wave is given in units of power per area, so starting from your expression, you'd get
$$I = \frac PA = \frac 12 \rho v (\omega s)^2.$$ You're probably supposed to assume the speaker can be treated as a point source. How does the sound propagate away from the speaker and how does the intensity of sound vary with distance?
 

What is the power of a sound source?

The power of a sound source refers to the rate at which energy is transferred through sound waves. It is measured in watts and is dependent on factors such as the amplitude and frequency of the sound waves.

How is the power of a sound source measured?

The power of a sound source can be measured using a sound level meter, which measures the intensity of the sound waves and calculates the power using the known properties of the medium through which the sound is traveling.

What factors affect the power of a sound source?

The power of a sound source is affected by several factors, including the amplitude and frequency of the sound waves, the distance from the source, and the properties of the medium through which the sound is traveling.

Why is the power of a sound source important?

The power of a sound source is important because it determines the loudness and intensity of the sound. It also affects how far the sound can travel and how well it can be heard by a listener.

Can the power of a sound source be increased?

Yes, the power of a sound source can be increased by increasing the amplitude or frequency of the sound waves, using amplification or focusing techniques, or by reducing the distance from the source to the listener.

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