Sound interference homework problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves sound interference from two sources, A and B, which are positioned 2 meters apart. The scenario describes a girl walking between two points, P and Q, where she experiences maximum loudness due to constructive interference of sound waves from the two sources. The task is to determine the distances AQ and BQ based on the provided information and diagram.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the concept of constructive interference and the conditions required for maximum loudness at points P and Q. There are mentions of relationships between the sound waves at these points and attempts to apply geometric reasoning, such as similar triangles, to find the distances.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on the principles of constructive interference and suggesting the use of equations related to the phenomenon. Some participants have attempted to apply geometric reasoning but have not yet reached a resolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are reminded of the forum rules requiring them to present their own work and thoughts before receiving assistance. There is also a reference to the Young's Double Slit experiment as a potential analogy for understanding the problem.

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Really stuck at this question.

In an experiment on sound interference, two sources A and B are placed 2m apart. As a girl walks from X to Y she hears a point of maximum loudness ar point P and the next at point Q. Using information from the diagram below find distances AQ and BQ.
http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/6814/capturewiz006qq6.jpg

Any help would be welcome. Thanks.

PS. Answers = AQ- 12.4m BQ- 13m
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Welcome to the PF. One of our rules here is that you must show us some of your own work and thoughts in order for us to help you.

What can you say about constructive interference? What relationship must the two sound waves have at P and again at Q in order for there to be maximum constructive interference?
 
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF. One of our rules here is that you must show us some of your own work and thoughts in order for us to help you.

What can you say about constructive interference? What relationship must the two sound waves have at P and again at Q in order for there to be maximum constructive interference?

Constructive interference, waves meet in phase.
At P would the zero order maximum.
At Q would be first order maximum.

I tried the similar triangles but that didn't lead to finding the lengths...
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/4990/capturewiz007my4.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
take AQ as x and BQ as [itex]x+ \Delta x[/itex]
Apply equations for Constructive Interference and solve.
Fringe width is PQ.
BTW, you mat want to refer to Youngs Double Slit experiment.
 

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