How to calculate the path difference in this question

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two speakers vibrating in phase and positioned along the y-axis, with a man moving parallel to the y-axis at a considerable distance from the speakers. The objective is to determine the angle at which the sound experiences its first minimum due to destructive interference.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the geometry of the setup and the application of the Pythagorean theorem to find the path difference. There are attempts to express the path difference in terms of the angle θ, with some questioning the definitions and relationships between variables.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring the geometric relationships involved in the problem. Some guidance has been provided regarding the use of approximations due to the distance of the man from the speakers, and there is an ongoing clarification of terms and variables.

Contextual Notes

There is some confusion regarding the definitions of variables X and Y, as well as the relationship between angle θ and the dimensions of the setup. The discussion reflects a need for clearer definitions and understanding of the geometric configuration.

Ajaroy
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1. Homework Statement
Two speakers S1
and S2 derived by the same amplifier and placed at y=1
and y = - 1.The speakers vibrate in phase at 600 Hz. A man stands on the x-axis at a very large distance from the origin and starts moving parallel to the Y - axis. The speed of sound in air is 330ms-1
n0uUniV6yEd93cUC2

AF1QipPuNLxsrxJJA7P97xvzhMWBQ6SCtYvv56G8wsSD

at what angle will the sound drop to a minimum for the first time?

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


as minimun occurs at destructive interferenc
Δx = S2Y - S1Y = (2n-1)λ/2

for the first minima Δx = λ/2
but how to calculate Δx in terms of θ ,i an not able to from the geomentry of problem[/B]
 
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Hi Ajaroy and welcome to PF.

Make a drawing. The man is moving parallel to the line joining the two speakers. To find Δx formally you need to use the Pythagorean theorem. You also need to consider that he is far from the speakers, so some kind of approximation will be required in terms of his angular displacement from the x-axis.
 
Ajaroy said:
1. Homework Statement
Two speakers S1
and S2 derived by the same amplifier and placed at y=1
and y = - 1.The speakers vibrate in phase at 600 Hz. A man stands on the x-axis at a very large distance from the origin and starts moving parallel to the Y - axis. The speed of sound in air is 330ms-1
n0uUniV6yEd93cUC2

AF1QipPuNLxsrxJJA7P97xvzhMWBQ6SCtYvv56G8wsSD

at what angle will the sound drop to a minimum for the first time?

drop a normal from s1 on s2 Y ...the angle between s1-s2 line and the normal is say theta then its the angle between the normal to s1 s2
and the radial line to Y...this i am saying as x is very large compared to s1 s2 length.

so theta = Y/x and nearly equal to sin(theta)= (s2Y- s1y) /s1s2 as theta is small.
 
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drvrm said:
drop a normal from s1 on s2 Y ...the angle between s1-s2 line and the normal is say theta then its the angle between the normal to s1 s2
and the radial line to Y...this i am saying as x is very large compared to s1 s2 length.

so theta = Y/x and nearly equal to sin(theta)= (s2Y- s1y) /s1s2 as theta is small.
drvrm said:
drop a normal from s1 on s2 Y ...the angle between s1-s2 line and the normal is say theta then its the angle between the normal to s1 s2
and the radial line to Y...this i am saying as x is very large compared to s1 s2 length.

so theta = Y/x and nearly equal to sin(theta)= (s2Y- s1y) /s1s2 as theta is small.
What are X and Y
Als how sin theta = y/x
 
kuruman said:
Hi Ajaroy and welcome to PF.

Make a drawing. The man is moving parallel to the line joining the two speakers. To find Δx formally you need to use the Pythagorean theorem. You also need to consider that he is far from the speakers, so some kind of approximation will be required in terms of his angular displacement from the x-axis.
I drew a perpendicular from Y to s1 s2line
 
Ajaroy said:
s2line
Ajaroy said:
I drew a perpendicular from Y to s1 s2line
Then by Pythagoras theorem
OY2+OS12=S1Y2
And
OY2+OS22 =S2Y2

Then by solving
(OS1 +OS2) *2/S2Y+S1Y = DELTA X
What should I do nnex?
 
Ajaroy said:
What are X and Y
Als how sin theta = y/x
Oh!
Thanks I got it
 
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