Decibels, pressure & displacement amplitudes

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around sound intensity and amplitude calculations related to a jackhammer emitting sound at a decibel level of 130 dB, with a wavelength of 1.0 m. Participants are exploring the relationships between linear sound intensity, pressure amplitude, and displacement amplitude.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of linear sound intensity and express difficulty in finding equations for pressure and displacement amplitudes. There is mention of relevant equations involving density and angular velocity, but uncertainty remains about the necessary variables.

Discussion Status

Some participants have made progress in understanding pressure amplitude, while others continue to seek clarity on displacement amplitude and the required calculations. There is a recognition of the need for additional information, such as frequency or angular velocity, to proceed further.

Contextual Notes

Participants note constraints related to missing information, such as the speed of sound and density of air, which are typically constants in physics texts. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity of the equations involved and the challenges posed by the homework requirements.

heartofaragorn
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Homework Statement


A jackhammer emits sound at a decibel level of 130 dB. The wavelength of the sound is 1.0 m. What is the linear sound intensity? What is the pressure amplitude? What is the displacement amplitude?


Homework Equations


Beta = 10 log (I / Io)
...and??


The Attempt at a Solution


Solved for question 1, the linear sound intensity, and received an answer of 10 Watts/meter. I combed my physics text and have not found an equation that wil provide me with either the pressure or displacement amplitude based upon the information I am given. I found a lengthy equation using density, angular velocity, and some variable "s naught" among other variables, and I simply don't have this information or have little means of finding it. Could someone please just help me find the right equations?? Thank you!
 
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heartofaragorn said:

Homework Statement


A jackhammer emits sound at a decibel level of 130 dB. The wavelength of the sound is 1.0 m. What is the linear sound intensity? What is the pressure amplitude? What is the displacement amplitude?


Homework Equations


Beta = 10 log (I / Io)
...and??


The Attempt at a Solution


Solved for question 1, the linear sound intensity, and received an answer of 10 Watts/meter. I combed my physics text and have not found an equation that wil provide me with either the pressure or displacement amplitude based upon the information I am given. I found a lengthy equation using density, angular velocity, and some variable "s naught" among other variables, and I simply don't have this information or have little means of finding it. Could someone please just help me find the right equations?? Thank you!

I think that lengthy equation is what you need. It should involve speed of sound, density of air, frequency or wavelength of the sound... The speed of sound and density of air should be given as constants in your text.
 
Okay, I think I figured out what the pressure amplitude is...but what about the displacement amplitude? Again, I have no means (as far as I can see) of calculating omega or frequency or other factors needed to solve for the amplitude...

Please help! :)
 
heartofaragorn said:
Okay, I think I figured out what the pressure amplitude is...but what about the displacement amplitude? Again, I have no means (as far as I can see) of calculating omega or frequency or other factors needed to solve for the amplitude...

Please help! :)

Frequency of a soundwave is just speed of sound divided by wavelength... what other terms do you need?
 
I was actually able to finally figure it out. Thanks for the help!
 

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