Constructive/Destructive Sound Waves

[ultrapowerpie]

Homework Statement

Link to problem: http://img147.imageshack.us/my.php?image=soundqj3.png

Homework Equations

No idea, One of the reasons I'm asking. >.>

The Attempt at a Solution

Ok, I have no idea how to even begin this problem. I need a hint in the right direction, or just what the formula I need here. Thanks in advance.

 

[ultrapowerpie]

Never mind, I figured out what the relationship between the wavelength and the interferance.

http://physics.ucsd.edu/students/courses/winter2008/physics1c/documents/1.3Sound.notes.pdf

That site helped a lot.

 

[thomate1]

I can provide some guidance on constructive and destructive sound waves. Sound waves are longitudinal waves, meaning they travel in the same direction as the energy they carry. This energy is transferred through the vibrations of particles in a medium, such as air or water.

Constructive sound waves occur when the peaks and troughs of two or more waves align, resulting in a larger amplitude (height) of the resulting wave. This is known as interference, and it can make a sound louder and clearer. This is often used in music, where multiple instruments playing the same note can create a more powerful sound.

On the other hand, destructive sound waves occur when the peaks and troughs of two or more waves cancel each other out, resulting in a smaller amplitude (or even silence). This is also interference, but in this case, the waves are out of phase and cancel each other out. This can be used in noise-cancelling technology, where a sound wave with the opposite phase is introduced to cancel out unwanted noise.

In terms of formulas, there are a few that can be used to calculate the properties of sound waves, such as wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. The most relevant to this problem would be the formula for calculating the amplitude of a wave resulting from two interfering waves:

A = A1 + A2 + 2√(A1A2)cos(Φ)

Where A is the resulting amplitude, A1 and A2 are the amplitudes of the two waves, and Φ is the phase difference between them. This formula can help determine whether the resulting wave will be constructive or destructive.

I hope this helps guide you in the right direction for solving this problem. Remember to always consider the properties of sound waves and how they interact with each other when encountering similar problems in the future.