How Many Sound Intensity Minima Are Detected as Frequency Increases?

In summary, the experiment involves two sound sources vibrating in phase with different amplitudes, a microphone detecting maxima and minima of intensity as the frequency is increased, and using the equation (n-½)(λ/a) = x/D to determine the number of minima detected as the frequency is increased from 1.0kHz to 4.0kHz. The amplitude of waves will affect the intensities, while the frequency will affect the wavelength of the sound waves.
  • #1
seiei
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Homework Statement



Two sources S1 and S2 of sound are situated 80cm apart in air, as shown in the image provided. The frequency of vibration can be varied. The two sources always vibrate in phase but have different amplitudes of vibration. A microphone M is situated a distance 100cm from S1 along a line that is normal to S1S2. As the frequency of S1 and S2 is gradually increased, the microphone M detects maxima and minima of intensity of sound.
The speed of sound in air is 330ms-1. The frequency of the sound from S1 and S2 is increased. Determine the number of minima that will be detected at M as the frequency is increased from 1.0kHz to 4.0kHz.

Homework Equations


Frequency=Velocity/Wavelength
(n-½)(λ/a) = x/D where λ is wavelength, x is separation between adjacent maxima and minima and D is the perpendicular distance from the zero order maximum.

The Attempt at a Solution


Using the two ranges of frequency 1.0kHz and 4.0kHz, the wavelengths must be between 8.25cm and 33cm but not sure what to do next. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
 
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  • #2
Picture of question attached here
 

Attachments

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  • #3
Is anybody able to help me? My physics exam is tomorrow...
 
  • #4
what do you think the amplitude of waves will affect? will it affect frequency or period?
 
  • #5
The amplitude will affect the intensities, and the frequency will affect the wavelength of the sound waves
 

1. What is the definition of a wave in physics?

A wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium, transferring energy from one point to another without causing any permanent displacement of the medium itself.

2. What are the two main types of waves in physics?

The two main types of waves in physics are mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves. Mechanical waves require a medium to travel through, while electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum.

3. How does the frequency of a wave relate to its wavelength?

The frequency of a wave is inversely proportional to its wavelength. This means that as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases, and vice versa.

4. What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

In transverse waves, the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. In longitudinal waves, the particles vibrate parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

5. How is wave speed calculated?

Wave speed is calculated by multiplying the wavelength of the wave by its frequency. This is represented by the equation v = λf, where v is the wave speed, λ is the wavelength, and f is the frequency.

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