Can We See Around Corners? How Sound Travels Differently

  • Thread starter Thread starter aquabum619
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of sound diffraction and its comparison to light, specifically addressing why sound can be heard around corners while light cannot be seen around them.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the concept of diffraction and its dependence on wavelength and object size. Questions arise regarding the nature of sound and light waves, and how their properties affect their ability to navigate around obstacles.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants raising questions about the definitions and principles of diffraction. Some have provided insights into the relationship between wavelength and obstacle size, while others seek clarification on the differences between sound and light propagation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of wave behavior in different contexts, with a focus on the physical properties of sound and light. There is an underlying assumption that the discussion is framed within a homework context, prompting exploration rather than definitive answers.

aquabum619
Messages
29
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



how come we can hear around corners but we can't see around corners?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


because the wall is obstructing the image?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It's to do with diffraction of the wave around the object. What do you know about diffraction? What factors do diffraction depend upon?
 
Then why is that the wall obstructs the sound?
 
Diffraction by definition is the divergence of light from its initial line of travel.
But images can't diffract through walls, right? Diffraction depends on coherent sources of light waves from a monochromatic source. wrt the double slit ex. right?
 
Much more general than that. If the wavelength is anywhere close to the obstaces dimensions it will move around it, while small wavelengths are a bb on a brickwall, long wavelengths more like a a blob of jello which will peek around corners.
 
Happy 700, doc! Rockets, huh?
 
I never even noticed, but thanx, and no new ground here, humanity has a choice between well what we are doing and hedging bets,
 
It depends on the wavelength, alonger wave like sounds "go over" lager objects.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K