Find the point of destructive interference of two waves.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two coherent in-phase point sources of sound located at specific coordinates, with a given wavelength. The objective is to determine the x-values along the x-axis where destructive interference occurs.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the condition for destructive interference and express confusion regarding the phase relationship of the waves, particularly given that the sources are in phase.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the sources being in phase and questioning how this affects the occurrence of destructive interference. Some guidance has been offered regarding the conditions needed for destructive interference.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions and implications of phase relationships in the context of wave interference, particularly in relation to the problem's setup.

HunterDX77M
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Homework Statement



Two coherent in-phase point sources of sound are located at the points (-2 m, 0 m) and (2 m, 0 m). If the wavelength of the sound is 0.9 m, at which of the following x values on the x-axis does destructive interference occur?

Homework Equations



Wave Equation:
y(x, t) = Acos(kx + ωt)

The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea how to even start this one. Could someone just nudge me in the right direction? This is the last practice problem I have to do, but I am really stuck.
 
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Well, maybe start with this: what is the condition for destructive interference to occur?
 
Well, let's see. They have to be out of phase by 180 degrees. But the part that confuses me is that the problem says they have the same phase.
 
HunterDX77M said:
Well, let's see. They have to be out of phase by 180 degrees. But the part that confuses me is that the problem says they have the same phase.
The sources are in phase.

However, the waves move and that's at a finite speed.
 

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