Finding phase difference based on distance

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the phase difference of sound waves from a tuning fork placed in a 47.0 m hall, generating a tone of 246 Hz. The initial calculation involved determining the wavelength and the difference in distance traveled by the waves, leading to an estimated phase difference of 144 degrees. However, the correct answer from the textbook is 91.3 degrees, prompting a reevaluation of the method used. The professor confirmed that the calculation method was correct, but emphasized the importance of significant figures, suggesting that the distances should be treated with five significant figures for accuracy. The issue highlights the challenges posed by poorly worded homework questions regarding precision in physics problems.
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Homework Statement


A tuning fork is in a hall 47.0 m long, and is placed 14.0 m from one end. It generates a tone of 246Hz. What is the phase difference when the waves traveling in each direction bounce back and meet each other?


Homework Equations


Calculated wavelength with 343/246. Also tried 2pi*38m/1.39m = phi. Also maybe (cos phi/2)sin(kx-omega*t+phi/2)



The Attempt at a Solution



Well, I figured that I could make it simple, calculate the wavelength, divide the difference in distance traveled by wavelengths, getting 27.4 waves, and then multiply .4 * 360 to get things into degrees. This gives me 144 degrees, but the answer in the back of the book is 91.3 degrees. What am I doing wrong?

Thanks in advance.
 
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Had a chance to talk to the prof, and it turns out my method was correct, but my sig figs were off. Apparently, to get a correct answer, it was necessary to assume the distances were correct to about 5 sig figs, even though the book conventionally requires only 3 and the givens were all in 3 sig figs. Poorly written question IMO.
 
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