Frequency of first intensity maximum for loudspeakers

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the frequency required for two loudspeakers, spaced 4.0 meters apart, to produce their first intensity maximum at an angle of 30° from the perpendicular. Using the speed of sound at 344 m/s, the path difference for the first maximum is determined to be 2 meters. The relationship between frequency, wavelength, and speed of sound is established through the equation f = v/λ, leading to a calculated frequency of 172 Hertz.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics and sound propagation
  • Familiarity with the equations v = λ · f and A = 2 A₀ cos(φ/2)
  • Knowledge of path difference in wave interference
  • Basic trigonometry to calculate angles and distances
NEXT STEPS
  • Study wave interference patterns and their applications in acoustics
  • Learn about the derivation and application of the equation A = 2 A₀ cos(φ/2)
  • Explore the concept of path difference in multi-source wave systems
  • Investigate the effects of speaker placement on sound intensity and frequency response
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, audio engineers, and anyone interested in sound wave behavior and speaker design will benefit from this discussion.

vaizard
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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
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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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.
 
Last edited:

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