Frequency of first intensity maximum for loudspeakers

AI Thread Summary
Two loudspeakers, positioned 4.0 meters apart and driven in phase, create an intensity maximum at a 30° angle from the perpendicular. The speed of sound is 344 m/s, and the path difference for the first intensity maximum is determined to be 2 meters. Using the equation for frequency, f = v/λ, the frequency required for this setup is calculated to be 172 Hertz. The discussion also touches on the equation A = 2A₀ cos(φ/2), prompting questions about its derivation and relevance to the problem. Understanding these equations is crucial for solving similar wave interference problems effectively.
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Homework Statement


Two loudspeakers are set up 4.0 meters apart and are driven in phase by the same amplifier. The listener is located a sufficient distance away so the angle to the listener is approximately the same at each speaker as indicated in the drawing. The speed of sound is 344 m/s. What frequency would the speakers need to emit if the first intensity maximum from the central maximum occurs at an angle of 30° from the perpendicular to each speaker?
http://omploader.org/vMTBsaw/phys_diagram1.png

Homework Equations


v=\lambda \cdot f
There is also A = 2 A_0 cos(\frac{\phi}{2}) in the solution to the problem but I don't understand where this equation even came from. It's not in my book or anything.

The Attempt at a Solution


Well, I know I'm looking for f, the frequency. So I did f = \frac{v_{\mbox{sound}}}{\lambda} but that's about it. Now the actual solution uses A=2A_0 cos(\frac{\phi}{2}) and \phi = k \Delta x. I would like to understand where these equations came from. Are they universal for this type of problem, or were they somehow derived from the given information?

http://omploader.org/vMTBsbQ/phys_diagram2.png
 
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Surely the first max will occur when the path length from one speaker is a single wavelength longer than to the path length to the other.
The path difference shown here is 4*sin30° = 2metres
So 344m/sec = 2m * frequency
Frequency = 172 Hertz.
 
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