Increase in the volume of a sound

AI Thread Summary
Increasing the volume of a radio requires both the maximum displacement and average speed of the diaphragm to increase. The amplitude of the sound wave, which correlates with loudness, must rise, leading to greater displacement. To maintain the same frequency while increasing amplitude, the average speed of the diaphragm must also increase; otherwise, the sound would distort. If the diaphragm travels farther without a corresponding increase in speed, it would take longer to complete a cycle, reducing frequency. Therefore, both maximum displacement and average speed are essential for a louder sound without distortion.
EchoTheCat
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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:
 

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