Increase in the volume of a sound

In summary, when turning up the volume on a radio, both the maximum displacement and average speed of a point on the diaphragm must increase. This is because an increase in amplitude, or maximum displacement, would cause the point to travel farther and therefore take longer to cycle, resulting in distortion. To maintain the same frequency, the average speed must also increase.
  • #1
EchoTheCat
21
1

Homework Statement


A person turns up the volume on a radio. Which aspects of the motion of a point on the diaphragm must increase?
a. maximum displacement only
b. average speed only
c. both maximum displacement and average speed
d. neither maximum displacement nor average speed

Homework Equations


speed = wavelength * frequency

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought it would be (a), because in order for the sound to get louder, the amplitude must increase, but amplitude doesn't affect speed. so the answer is (c) and I'm not sure why.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I could be wrong, but the average speed of the diaphragm must increase in order to maintain the same frequency. If you increase the amplitude, the point will be traveling farther. If it traveled farther at the same average speed, it would take longer to cycle. An increase in the period would decrease the frequency and you would get distortion. Thus you need to increase the average speed of the diaphragm as well as the displacement.
 
  • Like
Likes berkeman
  • #3
Matthew Bay said:
I could be wrong, but the average speed of the diaphragm must increase in order to maintain the same frequency. If you increase the amplitude, the point will be traveling farther. If it traveled farther at the same average speed, it would take longer to cycle. An increase in the period would decrease the frequency and you would get distortion. Thus you need to increase the average speed of the diaphragm as well as the displacement.
Looks correct to me. :smile:
 

1. How does an increase in volume affect the loudness of a sound?

An increase in volume generally results in an increase in the perceived loudness of a sound. This is because the amplitude, or maximum displacement of air particles, is greater when the volume is increased, resulting in a stronger and more intense sound.

2. What is the relationship between volume and amplitude?

Volume is often used interchangeably with amplitude, but strictly speaking, volume refers to the perceived loudness of a sound while amplitude refers to the physical measurement of the maximum displacement of air particles. However, an increase in volume usually correlates with an increase in amplitude.

3. Can an increase in volume damage hearing?

Yes, an increase in volume can potentially damage hearing if the sound is too loud or if the exposure is prolonged. This is because the increased amplitude can cause damage to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.

4. How is the volume of a sound measured?

The volume of a sound is typically measured in decibels (dB). This is a logarithmic scale that measures the intensity and loudness of a sound. The higher the decibel level, the louder the sound.

5. Why does the same sound seem louder in a smaller room compared to a larger room?

This is due to the phenomenon of reverberation. In a smaller room, sound waves bounce off the walls more quickly and frequently, resulting in a buildup of sound and a perceived increase in volume. In a larger room, the sound waves have more space to dissipate, making the sound seem quieter.

Similar threads

Motion of point when sound volume goes up
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
Sound Wave Interference and Finding the Path Differences with Diagrams
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
2K
Difference between resonance in undamped vs damped mass-spring-dashpot
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
376
Audio interference of sound waves from two speakers
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
3K
The hot chocolate effect to investigate the effects on speed of sound
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
815
What Determines the Speed of Sound in an Organ Pipe?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
31
Views
2K
Energy Conservation as an explanation for v=0 for spring mass system
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
707
Spring and Microphone (Doppler Effect...?)
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
Spring set makes up a traveling wave
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
3K
Sound Waves in Different Mediums
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top