Do all waves use the same formula share and the same principles?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of different types of waves, specifically radio/microwaves and audio waves, and whether they share the same principles and formulas. Participants explore the implications of these differences in the context of technology, such as speaker design and radar systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The wave equation is presented as a fundamental equation that describes wave behavior, with the propagation speed denoted by c and unique solutions dependent on initial and boundary conditions.
  • Some participants question the claims made by high-end audio manufacturers regarding the transmission of acoustic energy through air, suggesting skepticism about their marketing practices.
  • There is a distinction made between audio waves and microwaves, noting that audio waves require a medium (like air) for transmission, while microwaves can travel through a vacuum and move at speeds close to the speed of light.
  • Different types of waves are said to have different underlying principles and governing equations, although some analysis techniques may apply across various wave types.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether radio/microwaves and audio waves behave the same way, with some asserting that they do not, while others suggest that certain analytical techniques may be applicable across different wave types. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the extent of similarities and differences between these waves.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight that the behavior of waves can depend on various factors, including the medium of transmission and the specific equations governing different types of waves. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity involved in wave behavior and the need for further clarification on definitions and principles.

whatsthis
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trying to figure out what they mean by this statement.

The Signature TITAN employs technology derived from advanced tactical fighter plane design, nuclear reactor containment construction and atomic submarine radar jamming.

do radio/microwaves and audio waves behave the same way? can the formula used to design radar be used to design a speaker?
 
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Well, there's wave equation,

[itex]{ \partial^2 u \over \partial t^2 } = c^2 \nabla^2 u[/itex]

(time variable t, spatial variables x1, x2, …, xn, scalar function u = u (x1, x2, …, xn; t))

The solutions to this PDE behave as waves do. c is associated with the propagation speed of the wave. Unique solutions are obtained by setting more conditions, like the initial state of the wave, or boundary conditions. This equation occurs almost everywhere there are waves.
 
The OP didn't way where the quote came from, but Google found it:
http://www.moonaudio.com/titan_spkr.htm

And from the same site at http://www.moonaudio.com/shelf1.htm:

Far superior to cones, pucks, rubber, wood, metals or other insulators ... air provides zero transmission of the acoustic energy into your device..

These guys design speakers, and they don't think air transmits acoustic energy?
Oh, purlease... :smile::smile::smile::smile::smile::smile::smile::smile:

High end audio is full of people with more money than sense. If they can sell speaker systems for $0.5m to idiots, good luck to them IMO.

I see they are also selling 3 feet of wire at a recommended retail price of $4800. What's it made of, solid gold or something? http://www.higherfi.com/cables/1
 
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Oh man, I didn't read the link before I posted the above. How awful.
 
thx for the replies. they sold a pair of speakers for $2 million.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-10470928-47.html
 
do radio/microwaves and audio waves behave the same way?

Depends what you mean by "behave"...generally the answer is no.

For example, audio sound waves are require a medium ...like air...some compressible medium...and cannot be transmitted in a vacuum, like outer space, are relatively slow. Microwaves need no medium and travel close to 'c'. Their frequency range definitions are also different...although that doesn't necessarily mean different behavior in itself.
 
whatsthis said:
do radio/microwaves and audio waves behave the same way? can the formula used to design radar be used to design a speaker?

Generally speaking, different kinds of waves have different underlying principles and therefore have different governing equations (not necessarily the "wave equation"!)

Many of the analysis techniques, however, find general application across kinds of waves.
 

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