Sound Interference Problem -- Observer moving between two speakers

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves sound interference from two identical loudspeakers that are in phase, with an observer moving towards one of the speakers. The frequency of the sound is given, along with the distance between the speakers and the initial position of the observer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to determine how far the observer must move to hear the first sound minimum, using the concept of destructive interference. They question the reasoning behind the absence of solutions for certain values of n in their calculations.
  • Another participant discusses the implications of negative solutions for d when evaluating n=1 and n=3, suggesting that these values do not yield valid physical interpretations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the conditions for destructive interference and the validity of the solutions obtained for different values of n. Some guidance has been provided regarding the interpretation of negative distances, which are deemed non-physical in this context.

Contextual Notes

There is a request for a diagram or clearer description of the setup, indicating that visual context may be necessary for further understanding. The problem also involves assumptions about the behavior of sound waves and the conditions for interference.

jybe
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Homework Statement


Two identical loudspeakers
are driven in phase by the same amplifier at a frequency of 680 Hz. The
speakers are 4.6 m apart. An observer stands 9 m away
from one of the speakers as shown. The observer
then starts moving directly towards the closest speaker.
How far does the observer have to move to hear
their first sound minimum? The speed of sound is 340 m/s

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I found a solution:

Frequency of sound, f = 680 Hz
Velocity of sound, v = 340 m/s
Wavelength of sound,
gif.gif
= v/f
= 340/680 = 0.5 m

Consider that after moving a distance 'd', the observer hear a minimum.
Distance to the first speaker, D1 = SQRT[(9 - d)2 + 4.62]
Distance to the second speaker, D2 = 9 - d
The condition of destructive interference is that,
D1 - D2 = n
gif.gif
/2
SQRT[(9 - d)2 + 4.62] - (9 - d) = n
gif.gif
/2
There are no solutions for n = 1 and n = 3, For n = 5,
SQRT[(9 - d)2 + 4.62] - (9 - d) = 1.25
SQRT[(9 - d)2 + 4.62] = 10.25 - d
Squaring both the sides,
[(9 - d)2 + 4.62] = [9.25 - d]2
81 + d2 - 18d + 21.16 = 105.0625 - 20.5d + d2
102.16 - 18d = 105.0625 - 20.5d
2.5d = 2.9025
d = 1.161 m

My question is about the bolded part. How was it determined that there are no solutions for n=1 and n=3? How do you know what n can equal? Thanks.
 

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jybe said:
as shown
Please post either the diagram or a very clear description.
 
" An observer stands 9 m away
from one of the speakers as shown."

This is the image we need.
 
Assuming the rest of work is correct, for ##n=1## you get the equation ##(9-d)^2+(4.62)^2=(9.25-d)^2## which has a solution with ##d## negative ##d=-33.56## I think. Similarly for ##n=3 ## you also get an equation with negative solution for ##d##. But ##d## must be positive, if we accept a negative ##d## as solution it would be like we are walking away from the source, instead of closer to the source.
So, ##n=5## is the first ##n## for which we get an equation with positive solution for ##d##.
 
Last edited:

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