How Do Sound Waves Influence Water Flow?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the influence of sound waves on water flow, particularly in the context of an experiment conducted by a participant. It explores the relationship between sound waves, energy transport, and the behavior of water in a flowing system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a sine wave is formed by the water and expresses confusion about the transport of matter versus energy in waves.
  • Another participant asserts that sound causes oscillations in the water stream, creating a sine wave appearance, but clarifies that the sound wave itself does not transport water.
  • A participant acknowledges that the wave's appearance is influenced by gravity, suggesting that the water flows out of the hose as it normally would, with sound waves merely superimposed on this flow.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree that sound waves cause oscillations in the water but have not reached a consensus on the implications of these observations regarding energy and matter transport.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the definitions of waves and the nature of the medium involved in the experiment, as well as the relationship between wave velocity and water flow rate.

kkpanu9
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http://www.quora.com/How-can-sound-waves-alter-the-flow-of-water

Ok, so I carried out this experiment, and I understand some of it, but need help with other parts. Ok, so are we actually seeing a sine wave formed by the water? If so, I understand that waves are supposed to transport energy, not matter. However, obviously in this experiment matter is being transported. Also, if this is a wave, then what is the medium? Is it air, water, the tube?? Also, I understand that the velocity of the wave is not supposed to change, but if you increase the flow rate of the water from the pipe, then the velocity obviously does increase.

Basically, can someone help relate what I'm observing to what I learned in my AP Physics class in high school?
 
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kkpanu9 said:
If so, I understand that waves are supposed to transport energy, not matter. However, obviously in this experiment matter is being transported.

what matter is being transported ? where ?

the sound is just causing an oscillation in the water stream and producing a sine wave appearance in that flow

Dave
 
davenn said:
what matter is being transported ? where ?

the sound is just causing an oscillation in the water stream and producing a sine wave appearance in that flow

Dave

Oh so the wave itself is not transporting the water. That is just due to gravity.
 
kkpanu9 said:
Oh so the wave itself is not transporting the water. That is just due to gravity.

yes the water is just flowing out the end of the hose as it would normally do
There is just a sound wave superimposed on it ... quite neat :smile:

Dave
 

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