Wave Interference at Radio Station Antennas

In summary, the conversation discusses the construction of a new transmitting antenna for a radio station that is located 8.12km from the listener's house. The frequency of the electromagnetic wave broadcast is 536kHz. The discussion centers on whether the interference between the two antennas is constructive or destructive. It is determined that if the distance between the antennas is equal to a multiple of the wavelength, it is constructive interference, and if it is equal to half of a wavelength, it is destructive interference. In this case, as the distance is 5.6x10^2m, it is constructive interference.
  • #1
llamajuice
22
0

Homework Statement


The transmitting antenna for a radio station is 7.00km from your house. The frequency of the electromagnetic wave broadcast is 536kHz. The station builds a 2nd transmitting antenna that broadcasts an identical em wave in phase with the 1st one. The new antenna is 8.12km from your house. Show whether constructive or destructive interference occurs at your radio.

Homework Equations


v=f╗
v = c = 3 x 10^8 m/s

The Attempt at a Solution


So I found the wavelength: v/f 5.6x 10^2m, but I don't know how to tell when constructive or destructive interference occurs.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
u r lacking some quantities. The question should also include where is the 2nd transmitting antenna. Let it be d
Then if u find that d=m(lambda) where m=0,1,2... then its a constructive interference.
 
  • #3
Oh I forgot to put that the new antenna is 8.12km from the house.
So if d = m(lambda) its constructive interference and if d just doesn't = m(lambda) then its destructive interference?
 
  • #4
no if d=(m+1/2)(lambda) then it will be destructive. also if both doesn't follow then it will be intermediate between two
 
  • #5
oh ok its a constructive.. as 1120/560 = 2.
 

1. What is wave interference?

Wave interference is the phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves meet and combine at the same point in space. This results in the waves interacting with each other, causing either constructive or destructive interference.

2. How does wave interference affect sound and light?

In sound, wave interference can result in louder or softer sounds, known as constructive and destructive interference respectively. In light, wave interference can result in bright or dark spots, known as constructive and destructive interference respectively.

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

Constructive interference occurs when two waves combine and result in a larger amplitude, while destructive interference occurs when two waves combine and result in a smaller or zero amplitude.

4. What is the principle of superposition in wave interference?

The principle of superposition states that when two or more waves meet, the resulting displacement is the sum of the individual displacements of each wave. This is what causes wave interference to occur.

5. How is wave interference used in everyday life?

Wave interference is used in many technologies, such as noise-cancelling headphones and radio antennas. It is also used in medicine for techniques like ultrasound imaging. In nature, wave interference can be seen in the patterns of ocean waves and the colors of soap bubbles.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
924
Replies
54
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
29
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
3K
Back
Top