Can sound wave also interference just like EM wave

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of sound waves and whether they can exhibit interference similar to electromagnetic waves. Participants explore the concept of sound wave interference, its implications, and provide personal experiences related to the topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about sound waves being able to interfere, suggesting that sound is a wave of vibration that can diffract but not interfere.
  • Another participant asserts that sound waves can indeed interfere, referencing the functionality of Bose noise-cancelling headphones as an example.
  • A later reply shares a personal experience of observing sound wave interference in a lecture hall, describing the presence of standing waves that resulted in varying sound levels at different locations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views, with some participants affirming that sound waves can interfere while others express uncertainty or confusion about the concept.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify the definitions or conditions under which sound wave interference occurs, leaving some assumptions and details unresolved.

Rico L
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its my exam question.. i am not so sure... but i put it can't because sound is a wave of vibration which it can diffract but not interence... but i don't know.. can sound wave interference?

cheers
 
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Yes. That is what the Bose noise cancelling headphones do.
 
awww! damn ! i got it wrong!--

thanks anyway
 
Rico L said:
can sound wave interference?

cheers

Yes indeed. I witnessed a dramatic demonstration of this at Cornell. A low frequency sound generator was activated at the front of a large lecture hall. Standing waves were set up in the hall's air. At one location the noise was very loud. If you stepped away to a nearby location, you couldn't hear anything!
 

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