Find the correct frequency so two waves are in phase

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around determining the lowest frequency at which a man hears sound waves from two speakers in phase. The man is positioned 5 meters from one speaker and 6.5 meters from the other, with sound traveling at 340 m/s. Participants debate the correct approach to calculate the phase difference, with one suggesting the use of the formula Δψ = 2π*Δx/λ for constructive interference. Confusion arises regarding the interpretation of phase difference, with some arguing that it should be zero for in-phase conditions. Ultimately, the consensus is that in-phase conditions require the phase difference to be a whole number of cycles, not necessarily zero.
Jalo
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Homework Statement



A man is sitting between two speakers, 5 meters from the first and 6.5 meters away from the second.

Speaker 1~~~~~~(6.5m) ~~~~~~ Man ~~~~ (5m) ~~~~ Speaker 2

They both create sound waves in phase. What's the lowest frequency for which the man hears both sounds in phase?
The velocity of sound is 340m/s.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



We have two speakers. Speaker 1 is positioned at x = 0, creating waves with a phase of
ϕ1(x,t) = kx - wt
propagating in the positive direction.
Speaker 2 is positioned at x = 11.5, emiting waves with a phase
ϕ2(x,t) = kx + wt
which propagate in the negative direction.

The man is sitting at x=6.5.
We know that both speakers emit in phase, therefore for any given instant t we have:
ϕ1(0,t) = ϕ2(11.5,t)

We also want the man to receive both waves in phase, therefore:
ϕ1(6.5,t) = ϕ2(6.5,t)

If we solve this equations we'll get:
ϕ1(0,t) = ϕ2(11.5,t) ⇔ 0*x - w*t = 11.5*k + wt ⇔ 2*wt = -11.5k
ϕ1(6.5,t) = ϕ2(6.5,t) ⇔ 6.5k - wt = 6.5k + wt ⇔ wt = 0

The result doesn't make any sense. I've probably assumed something wrongly, but I can't quite figure out what. If anyone could point my logic's holes I'd appreciate.

Thanks.
Daniel
 
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Jalo said:

Homework Statement



A man is sitting between two speakers, 5 meters from the first and 6.5 meters away from the second.

Speaker 1~~~~~~(6.5m) ~~~~~~ Man ~~~~ (5m) ~~~~ Speaker 2

They both create sound waves in phase. What's the lowest frequency for which the man hears both sounds in phase?
The velocity of sound is 340m/s.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Snip..

Jesus !
Such a long solution ?

Why do you not use,

Δψ=2π*Δx/λ

In phase can be when there is constructive interference. In this case, what will be phase difference, Δψ ?
 
sankalpmittal said:
Jesus !
Such a long solution ?

Why do you not use,

Δψ=2π*Δx/λ

In phase can be when there is constructive interference. In this case, what will be phase difference, Δψ ?

I'm afraid I did not understand your answer. If Δψ is the phase difference then it will be zero, since both waves must arrive with the same phase. Therefore Δψ = 0 = 2π*Δx/λ , which can't be true.
 
Jalo said:
I'm afraid I did not understand your answer. If Δψ is the phase difference then it will be zero, since both waves must arrive with the same phase. Therefore Δψ = 0 = 2π*Δx/λ , which can't be true.
"In phase" only requires that the phase difference is a whole number of cycles.
 
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