Intensity of two sound pressure waves

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the relationship between the intensity of sound pressure waves and their amplitudes, particularly in the context of comparing two different sound sources. Participants are exploring the implications of amplitude and area in relation to intensity measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss how intensity relates to amplitude and frequency, with one participant expressing confusion about the areas involved in the intensity comparison. Others suggest focusing on the intensity readings from detectors rather than the areas.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants providing insights into the relationship between intensity and amplitude. Some guidance has been offered regarding the comparison of intensities at the same point in space and time, although there is no explicit consensus on the interpretation of areas in the context of the problem.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes the complexity of the areas involved and their representation in the context of the problem, indicating a potential misunderstanding that is being explored. The discussion also reflects a learning environment where assumptions about the setup are being questioned.

iQadmat
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Homework Statement
Ans: C

I tried to use the intensity formulae and after manipulating it got an expression which gave me wrong answer.
It seems the areas are not equivalent somehow, any explanation?
Relevant Equations
I = P/A
1658379625863.png

1658379637746.png
 
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Hi @iQadmat and welcome to PF.

How does the intensity depend on the amplitude? You can read the amplitudes of the two waves off the graph and compare.
 
kuruman said:
Hi @iQadmat and welcome to PF.

How does the intensity depend on the amplitude? You can read the amplitudes of the two waves off the graph and compare.
Hi and thanks for welcoming me!

I know the intensity is directly proportional to amplitude^2 frequency^2 and inversely proportional to radius^2, but my point was the areas (which I showed in ss) are different somehow and I want to understand the differences between them and what they represent.

So far my understanding*
[The initial 'A' is showing the area at which the power from source is acting upon but the final 'A' (later derived from 'F') is not the initial 'A' but is the area of the wave particle which times by pressure of wave equals 'F' .]
 
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The areas are irrelevant. This is a comparison of intensities of two different sources at the same point in space and time. If you must, assume that the two sources are at the same distance from two detectors with identical areas. Compare the detectors' readings. Clearly, wave 2 has greater intensity than wave 1. By what factor?
 
kuruman said:
The areas are irrelevant. This is a comparison of intensities of two different sources at the same point in space and time. If you must, assume that the two sources are at the same distance from two detectors with identical areas. Compare the detectors' readings. Clearly, wave 2 has greater intensity than wave 1. By what factor?
I got it now, Thanks for your help!
 
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