Soundwave Intensities and power

  • Thread starter Thread starter chelsea123
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Intensities Power
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating sound intensity and power from a point source emitting 34.0 W of sound isotropically. The intensity was correctly calculated as I = 7.91 x 10^-5 W/m² using the formula I = P/A, where A is the area of the sound wave at a distance of 185 m. However, the calculation for power intercepted by the microphone was incorrect due to a misapplication of the formula P = IA, leading to confusion regarding the area used in the calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sound intensity and power concepts
  • Familiarity with the formulas I = P/A and P = IA
  • Knowledge of isotropic sound sources
  • Basic geometry for calculating surface area (A = 4πR²)
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of sound intensity formulas in acoustics
  • Learn about the implications of isotropic sound emission
  • Explore practical applications of sound intensity measurements
  • Investigate common pitfalls in power calculations in physics problems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on acoustics and sound wave behavior, as well as educators looking for examples of sound intensity calculations.

chelsea123
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



1. Question : A point source emits 34.0 W of sound isotropically. A small microphone intercepts the sound in an area of 0.510 cm2, 185 m from the source. What is the sound intensity at that distance?
What is the power intercepted by the distance?


Homework Equations



I=P/a,P=IA

The Attempt at a Solution



so far i have gotten the intensity as I=P/A,
I=340W/(5.10*10^-3)+4pi(185)^2
I=7.91*10^-5 W/m^2

However for the second part of the question to calculate power, it is not correct. I use P=IA
with the same area but it will not work properly:
P=(7.91*10^-5W/m^2)(5.10*10^-3m2 + 4pi(185m)^2
P=34.0 W (which is incorrect)

Where is the flaw in this equation?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
For the first part,

I_atmic = P/A where P and R are given in the problem, and A = 4∏R^2


For the second part P_atmic = [I_atmic]a = Pa/A where a is the area of the mic.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
35
Views
6K