Calculating Maximum Oscillation: Point Sources and Out of Phase Waves

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two point sources of sound waves that are 5.00m apart, emitting 300Hz waves that are out of phase. The original poster seeks to determine the shortest distances from the midpoint of the line connecting the sources to points where maximum oscillation occurs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use the relationship between path difference and wavelength to find distances for maximum oscillation. Some participants question the correctness of the wavelength calculation and the interpretation of the path difference.

Discussion Status

Participants are providing feedback on the original poster's calculations and reasoning. Some affirm the approach while others express uncertainty about the correctness of certain values. There is an ongoing exploration of the problem without a clear consensus on the final answers.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of discrepancies between the original poster's answers and those found in a textbook, indicating potential confusion or differing interpretations of the problem setup.

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[SOLVED] Out of Phase waves

Homework Statement



Straight line AB connects two point sources that are 5.00m apart, emit 300Hz sound waves of the same amplitude, and emit exactly out of phase. (a) What is the shortest distance between the midpoint of AB and a point on AB where the interfering waves cause maximum oscillation of the air molecules? What are the (b) second and (c) third shortest distance?

Homework Equations

and

The Attempt at a Solution



(delta L)/(wavelength) = .5, 1.5, 2.5 ...
(wavelength) = v/f = (velocity of molecules in the air)/f = 330/300 = 1.1m <- I don't think . that is right
(delta L) = (2.5 + x) - (2.5 - x) = 2.5 + x - 2.5 + x = 2x

I am I approaching this right, if not do you have any suggestions to sat me straight.
 
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Can anyone please help me? I have spent hours on this and just need to know if anyone has suggestion on the approach to get me started.
 
why is no one helping, I don't know what to do?
 
LandOfStandar said:
(delta L)/(wavelength) = .5, 1.5, 2.5 ...
Good.
(wavelength) = v/f = (velocity of molecules in the air)/f = 330/300 = 1.1m <- I don't think . that is right
Also good, if you take the speed of sound in air (which is not the velocity of the molecules) to be 330 m/s. (Sound speed depends on temperature, but close enough.)
(delta L) = (2.5 + x) - (2.5 - x) = 2.5 + x - 2.5 + x = 2x
Good. You are on the right track. Don't stop now.
 
the answer in the book don't match mine
 
If I continue
I get ...
(2x)/(1.1) = .5, 1.5, 2.5 ...
x= (.5, 1.5, 2.5 ...)(1.1)/(2) = 0.275, 0.825, 1.1375
answers 0, 0.572, 1.14
 
I agree with your answers, not the book's. What book are you using?
 
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