Solving Sound Interference: Find Diff. Freq. Destructive Interference

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two sound waves emitted from a speaker with equal amplitudes but different frequencies, f(1) and f(2). The objective is to demonstrate that destructive interference occurs at a specific distance in front of the speaker, where the frequency difference f(1) - f(2) plays a role.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the mathematical representation of the sound waves and the conditions for destructive interference. There are attempts to express the wave functions and explore the implications of phase differences between the waves.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints regarding the phase relationship necessary for destructive interference, while others are exploring the mathematical setup and implications of their equations. There is an ongoing exploration of how to combine the wave functions to analyze cancellation points.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the time-dependent nature of interference versus location-dependent patterns, which may influence their approach to solving the problem.

kahless2005
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Given for the problem:
A speaker sends out two sound waves with equal Amplitudes but the frequencies are f(1) and f(2) respectively. The motion of sound as w = A * cos(k*x - t*(Omega)). The wave number's and the angular frequency's definition are the same for light.

Find for the problem:
Show that at a distance x directly in front of the speaker, there is destructive interference between the waves with a frequency f(1) - f(2).

My solution so far:
w(1) = A * cos((2PI/(Lambda(1))) * x - (2PI * f(1) * t)
w(2) = A * cos((2PI/(Lambda(2))) * x - (2PI * f(2) * t)

I assume that the final equation will be in the form of:
dt = (x / v) - t
where v is the speed of sound

A little advice please!
 
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I hope i put this in the right section... It is a Sophmre level physics class... :blushing:
 
kahless2005 said:
Given for the problem:
A speaker sends out two sound waves with equal Amplitudes but the frequencies are f(1) and f(2) respectively. The motion of sound as w = A * cos(k*x - t*(Omega)). The wave number's and the angular frequency's definition are the same for light.

Find for the problem:
Show that at a distance x directly in front of the speaker, there is destructive interference between the waves with a frequency f(1) - f(2).

My solution so far:
w(1) = A * cos((2PI/(Lambda(1))) * x - (2PI * f(1) * t)
w(2) = A * cos((2PI/(Lambda(2))) * x - (2PI * f(2) * t)

I assume that the final equation will be in the form of:
dt = (x / v) - t
where v is the speed of sound

A little advice please!

Hint: You are looking for a point, x, where the two waves are out of phase by pi radians.

-Dan
 
"Destructive Interference" in this case is time-dependent cancellation of the total amplitude (that means add the wave functions), at any location.
This is in contrast to location-dependent cancellation of the total amplitude
(an interference pattern) at all time.

Choose an x-value, and add the wave forms ; see when (time) they cancel.
 

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