Help determining the sound wave function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining parameters of a sound wave function based on pressure measurements and changes in air density. The original poster presents a problem involving the calculation of displacement amplitude, wave number, and angular frequency for sound waves traveling through air under different conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the displacement amplitude, wave number, and angular frequency using given pressure data and properties of sound waves. Some participants question the accuracy of the calculations, particularly regarding the value of angular frequency and its implications for the displacement amplitude.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in verifying calculations and correcting typographical errors. There is a focus on ensuring that the values for angular frequency and displacement amplitude are consistent with the physics of sound waves. Multiple interpretations of the calculations are being explored, particularly in relation to the changes in air density.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the problem as presented, including specific values for air density and sound speed. There is an acknowledgment of potential typographical errors in the original calculations that may affect the results.

jwxie
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Homework Statement



[PLAIN]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/14655573/110218_203248.jpg

Part (1)
The figure shows the output from a pressure monitor mounted at a point along the path taken by a sound wave of a single frequency traveling at 343 m/s through air with a single frequency traveling at 343 m/s through air with a uniform density of 1.21 kg/m^3. The vertical axis scale is set by \bigtriangleup p_{s} = 4.0 mPa. If the displacement function of the wave is \[s(x,t) = s_{m} cos(kx-wt)\], what are
(a) \[s_{m}\]
(b) k, and
(c) w

Part (2)
The air is then cooled so that its density is 1.35 kg/m^3 and the speed of a sound wave through it is 320 m/s. The sound source again emits the sound wave at the same frequency and the same pressure amplitude. What now are
(d) \[s_{m}\]
(e) k, and
(f) w


Homework Equations



The pressure wave is the derivative of the displacement wave, and the pressure amplitude \bigtriangleup p_{max} is relates to the displacement amplitude \bigtriangleup s_{max} by :

\[\bigtriangleup p_{max} = v^{2}\rho \kappa s_{max}\]<br />
or we can reduce further
\bigtriangleup p_{max} = v\rho \omega s_{max}

The Attempt at a Solution



First, I think the period is 2 ms according to the graph. So the frequency should be 1/0.002 or 500Hz, and \omega should be \[2\pi f\] which gives \[100\pi\]

Then equate 0.008 Pa to find \[s_{m}\]
\[0.008 = v^{2}\rho \omega s_{m}\]
I think I get 6.14 x 10^-8 m

and we then find k using this equation \[\bigtriangleup p_{max} = v^{2}\rho \kappa s_{max}\]<br /> and I got 0.9888 m^-1

For part 2, since frequency and pressure amplitude remains the same, so omega will same the same. K, however, will change because wavelength changes with speed.
and doing similar calculations, for \[ s_{m}\] is 5.89 x 10^-9 and k is 9.825 m^-1.

Do they even make sense? I see that the latter case is a magnitude higher...

I don't have any solutions to this problem. If anyone can verify this with me I will really appreciate! Thanks.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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jwxie said:

and doing similar calculations, for \[ s_{m}\] is 5.89 x 10^-9 .


Check it. It should be 5.89 x 10^-8 .

ehild
 
hi, thanks ehild.
i see i had a typo in the first post
omega should be 1000pi, not 100pi
using 100pi would give the 8th order, but 1000pi would give 9th order
what do you think?
 
Yes, omega is 1000 pi. With that, smax =6.14 x 10^-9 m in the first case, and 5.89 x 10^-9 m in the second case.

ehild
 
right,... i have a typo in calculation
thanks!
 

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