MCQ about intensity of sound waves (formula manipulation)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the manipulation of sound wave intensity formulas, specifically the relationship between intensity (I), amplitude (A), and distance (x). The key equation derived is I proportional to A² and I proportional to 1/x², leading to the conclusion that A is inversely proportional to x. The example provided illustrates that if the amplitude at point P is 8μm and the distance is doubled at point Q, the amplitude at Q will be 4μm. This demonstrates the principles of wave intensity and amplitude variation with distance.

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  • Understanding of sound wave physics
  • Familiarity with proportionality constants in equations
  • Knowledge of amplitude and intensity relationships
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
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  • Learn about the implications of the inverse square law in wave physics
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Homework Statement



jts37a.jpg


Homework Equations



The equation that is already given + (maybe) I is proportional to A2f2.

The Attempt at a Solution



I took the square root of 8, 8 being the Amplitude and I being proportional to the square of A. (I make the constant of proportionality 1). That's not the answer.
 
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Originaltitle said:

Homework Statement



[ IMG]http://i49.tinypic.com/jts37a.jpg[/PLAIN]

Homework Equations



The equation that is already given + (maybe) I is proportional to A2f2.

The Attempt at a Solution



I took the square root of 8, 8 being the Amplitude and I being proportional to the square of A. (I make the constant of proportionality 1). That's not the answer.
If \ \displaystyle I\propto\frac{1}{x^2}\,,\ then \ \displaystyle I=\frac{k}{x^2}\,,\ where k is the constant of proportionality.

This means that I\cdot x^2=k\,,\ \text{ a constant}\ .

Added in Edit:

This is wrong. See correct response below.
 

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Obviously, but we can't find k here because we don't have a numerical value for x OR I.
 
You don't need to calculate k.

At point P, we have I=k/r^2
Write a similar expression for the intensity at Q and compare it with the above expression.
 
You are given an amplitude, A, at point P.

Also, \ \displaystyle I\propto\frac{1}{x^2}\,,\ and \ \displaystyle I\propto{A^2}\ .\ This means that \ \displaystyle A\propto\frac{1}{x}\,,\ assuming they're both positive. Therefore, Ax = k, where k is some constant.

You don't need a numerical result for k.

Ax at P

is equal to

Ax at Q .
@ P, A = 8μm and x = r .

@ Q, x = 2r , what is A ?
 
A is inversely proportional to x. So if A is doubled, x will be two times less. So if A at x is 8, A at 2x will be 8/2 which is 4.

Thanks!
 

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