Solving the Mystery of Directional Sound: A 19cm Challenge

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the mathematical modeling of directional sound perception, specifically how the brain determines the origin of sound based on time differences between ears. With ears modeled as sensors 19.0 cm apart, a sound heard 210 microseconds earlier in the left ear indicates a sound source direction of 22.3 degrees left of center. Participants express challenges in solving the problem due to the complexity of variables involved, emphasizing the mathematical nature of the task rather than physical aspects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sound wave propagation and time delay
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometry and angles
  • Familiarity with the concept of sound localization
  • Mathematical modeling techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the principles of sound localization in auditory perception
  • Study the mathematical equations governing time delay and angle calculation
  • Investigate the role of ear spacing in directional hearing
  • Learn about the physics of sound waves and their interaction with the environment
USEFUL FOR

Acoustics researchers, audio engineers, students of physics, and anyone interested in the mechanics of sound perception and localization.

Gear300
Messages
1,209
Reaction score
9
The brain can sense the direction of a sound source by noting how much earlier a sound is heard in one ear than in the other. Model your ears as two sensors 19.0 cm apart. If a click from a distant source is heard 210 x 10^-6 s earlier in the left ear than in the right, from what direction does it appear to originate?

I've tried a bunch of methods to get a few desired values, but I tend to have an additional unknown variable or I end up canceling the desired value in the process to end up with something near 1 = 1. The problem seems to be more mathematical than physical.

The answer I'm supposed to receive is 22.3 degrees left of center.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
...never mind...
 

Similar threads

Calculate Sound Directionality w/ Equation & CAD
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Undergrad Are 7.1 surround sound headphones possible?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Magnitude and Direction of the Force on a Charge
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
10K
High School Can a Bridge Sing? Solve the Mystery!
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Challenge Origami Puzzle Challenge
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Challenge Can You Solve These Summer Math Challenges?
  • · Replies 63 ·
3
Replies
63
Views
14K
Challenge Intermediate Math Challenge - September 2018
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
7K
Problem Set #1: Harmonic Motion and Sound Waves
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
Undergrad Wavelength to Frequency Relationship in Musical Notes
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K
Challenge Math Challenge - November 2018
  • · Replies 175 ·
6
Replies
175
Views
28K