Loudspeaker Design: Calculating Angle of First Minimum

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the angle of the first minimum in a loudspeaker design context, specifically using the relationship between wavelength and speaker diameter. The original poster presents a problem involving a sound wavelength of 0.14 m and a speaker diameter of 0.15 m.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply a formula involving sine to find the angle of the first minimum but expresses confusion regarding the calculation. Participants question the clarity of the original poster's understanding of the terms used, particularly the distinction between frequency and wavelength.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaged in clarifying the original poster's approach and addressing misunderstandings. There is a focus on ensuring that the correct calculations are performed, with some guidance provided on solving for the angle.

Contextual Notes

The original poster did not initially provide complete calculations and expressed uncertainty about the method. There is a mention of a textbook reference that suggests a different angle, indicating potential confusion in the application of the formula.

_Mayday_
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Hey,

I've just done a bit of reading on some simple loudspeaker design in my textbook. It is asking me to calculate when the first minimum occurs. I think I am fine with this, but my problem is that I have no idea how I would calculate the angle at which the minimum occurs.

I will use an example given in the book. The sound frequency is 0.14 m and this is emitted by a loudspeaker of diametre 0.15 m.

I am using the equation:

[tex]sin\theeta=\frac{\lambda}{b}[/tex]

I would therefor say that the first minum occurs at [tex]\frac{0.14}{0.15}=0.93 \degrees[/tex]

The book however says that the angle at which the minimum occurs is about 69 degrees. Could someone please clear this up, it is probably a misunderstanding of some sort. I have not offered working as I do not know the method in solving this, but any help would be great.

Thanks.

_Mayday_
 
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The sound frequency is 0.14 m
I'm assuming you meant to say wavelength??

It looks to me like you just didn't finish the calculation. Use your calculator to compute the angle.
 
Yes, sorry I did mean wavelength. What do you mean I didn't complete the calculation? Are you saying that I have the correct equation to give me that answer?
 
You have [tex]\sin\theta = \frac{0.14}{0.15}[/tex]

Solve for theta and you should get 69.0 degrees.
 
:blushing: I can't believe I missed that...

Thanks for your time. :-p
 

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