Find the correct frequency so two waves are in phase

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two speakers emitting sound waves in phase, with a man positioned between them at specific distances. The objective is to determine the lowest frequency at which the man hears both sounds in phase, given the speed of sound.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the phase relationship between the waves from the two speakers and question the assumptions made in the original poster's calculations. There is mention of using the phase difference formula and the conditions for constructive interference.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the phase difference and its implications for the problem. Some have suggested alternative approaches to understanding the conditions for the waves to be in phase, while others express confusion about the original poster's reasoning.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the requirement for the waves to arrive in phase, with discussions around the implications of phase differences and constructive interference. The original poster's calculations are noted to potentially contain assumptions that may need reevaluation.

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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