Wave Interference and sound waves

In summary, the conversation is discussing two loudspeakers emitting sound waves along the x-axis and a listener hearing maximum sound intensity at different positions of the speakers. The questions are about the frequency of the sound and the phase difference between the speakers. The maximum constructive interference equation is mentioned but the value of m is unknown. There is no restriction on the value of m and it can be chosen arbitrarily.
  • #1
gilsone
1
0

Homework Statement



Two loudspeakers emit sound waves along the x-axis. A listener in front of both speakers hears a maximum sound intensity when speaker 2 is at the origin and speaker 1 is at x= 0.540 m. If speaker 1 is slowly moved forward, the sound intensity decreases and then increases, reaching another maximum when speaker 1 is at x=0.950 m.

a: What is the frequency of the sound? Assume velocity of sound=340 m/s
b: What is the phase difference between the speakers?

Homework Equations


The only equation I could relate to this would be the maximum constructive interference equation: 2pi * [tex]\Delta[/tex]x/[tex]\lambda[/tex]+ phase shift= m*2pi


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not sure what m would be or what value I would be solving for in part a

help please?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
thr is no restriction on m..so you can simply choose it by urslf..
well i took it 1...
for part one...simple clue...
distance between two speakers shud be integer multiple of lambda...
so in one case take it m and in 2nd take it (m+1)...
 

Related to Wave Interference and sound waves

1. How does wave interference occur?

Wave interference occurs when two or more waves interact with each other. This can happen when waves of the same type and frequency meet, causing them to either amplify or cancel each other out.

2. What is the difference between constructive and destructive interference?

Constructive interference occurs when two waves of the same frequency and amplitude meet, resulting in a wave with a higher amplitude. Destructive interference occurs when two waves of the same frequency and opposite amplitude meet, resulting in a wave with a lower amplitude or no wave at all.

3. How does the wavelength affect wave interference?

The wavelength of a wave affects interference because it determines the distance between the peaks and troughs of the wave. When two waves with the same wavelength meet, they can either reinforce or cancel each other out. When two waves with different wavelengths meet, they can create complex interference patterns.

4. Can sound waves interfere with each other?

Yes, sound waves can interfere with each other just like any other type of wave. This can happen when two sound waves with the same frequency and amplitude meet, resulting in a louder sound. It can also happen when two sound waves with opposite amplitudes meet, resulting in a quieter sound or no sound at all.

5. How is wave interference used in real-life applications?

Wave interference has many practical applications, such as noise-cancelling headphones, where destructive interference is used to cancel out unwanted sounds. It is also used in radio and television broadcasting, where waves of different frequencies are combined to create a desired signal. Additionally, wave interference is used in medical imaging techniques such as ultrasound, where waves are bounced off of different tissues to create an image.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
27
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
Back
Top