Unraveling the Physics Behind Squeeky Toys

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SUMMARY

The physics behind squeaky toys involves the mechanics of air pressure and flow through a "squeaker" component. When squeezed quickly, mechanical energy forces air out, creating sound due to vibrations. Conversely, a slow squeeze fails to produce noise because the reduced air pressure does not generate sufficient flow to activate the squeaker. This phenomenon can be explained using the ideal gas law, specifically the equations PV=kRT and PV=nRT, which relate pressure, volume, and temperature in gases.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mechanical energy and pressure dynamics
  • Familiarity with the ideal gas law (PV=nRT)
  • Basic knowledge of sound wave generation and vibration
  • Concept of airflow and its impact on sound production
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of sound wave generation in different mediums
  • Explore the design and function of squeaker mechanisms in toys
  • Study the applications of the ideal gas law in real-world scenarios
  • Investigate the relationship between air pressure and sound frequency
USEFUL FOR

Physics enthusiasts, toy designers, and anyone interested in the mechanics of sound production and fluid dynamics.

MissWho
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What are the physics behind a squeeky toy?

Mechanical energy from your hand decreases the volume and increases the pressure of the squeeky-toy. But what happens to the air and what about the standing waves?

When you press the air out of it really slowly, it doesn't make any noise, why is that?
 
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Welcome to PF! :smile:
Well, the air inside is forced out of the toy and through a "squeaker" component because of the pressure difference you already mentioned. I'm don't actually think there are any standing waves, as the air is forced through the squeaker without any reflection from a boundary.
As for why it doesn't make a noise if you squeeze it slowly, the best explanation I can think of (not knowing exactly the internal workings of a squeaker) is that you'll need a certain volume of air rushing through the squeaker at any given moment to make it work. Noise is caused by something vibrating in air, and my guess is that a slow flow of air will have enough space to flow around this component of the squeaker without having to worry about pushing it out of its way en route.
 
As the why when you press the toy slowly and it doesn't make a noise because, from my point of view, that you have decreased the pressure of air flowing through the squeaker. The "squeaker" may need certain amount of pressure being passed through it in order to yield those squeaky noise. This can all be related to PV=kRT of PV=nRT.
 

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