What is the Optimal Sound Frequency for Echoes Using a Single Slit?

In summary, the problem at hand involves finding an effective sound frequency to use as an echo, using the given information that the single slit accommodates 3-6 wavelengths and that the speed of sound is 340 m/s. The relationship between the single slit and the problem is unclear, and the question is how to use this information to solve the problem. The only relevant frequency formula given is c = fλ, but without knowing the frequency or wavelength, it is difficult to move forward. The speaker is asking for tips or guidance on how to approach this problem.
  • #1
athymy
21
0

Homework Statement



Hey guys, I'm having a hard time understanding this whole waves chapter and my teacher just gave us a tricky problem...

So you have a single slit and it accommodates 3-6 wave lengths across its diameter. Assume that the sound created when echoing off objects may be between 20Hz to 20,000Hz. The question is to find an effective sound frequency to use as an echo. (we are using that c = 340 m/s)

I have no idea how the single slit is related to this problem, I thought that it was used to calculate the distance to the dark fringes. And what is meant by "accommodates 3-6 wave lengths"?

Homework Equations



The only frequency formula I know is c = fλ
We know that c = 340m/s

The Attempt at a Solution



Well I don't know the frequency nor the wavelength so I really have no clue what I'm supposed to do next. So if anyone could give me some tips or point me in the right direction I would really appreciate it.
 
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  • #2
Does anyone have a clue on how to solve this problem because I'm totally lost...
 

1. What is the difference between waves and sound?

Waves are defined as a disturbance that travels through space and matter, while sound is a type of wave that requires a medium (such as air, water, or solids) to travel through. In other words, all sound is a wave, but not all waves are sound.

2. How is sound frequency measured?

Sound frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz), which represents the number of waves or cycles per second. The higher the frequency, the higher the pitch of the sound. The range of human hearing is typically between 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

3. What factors affect the frequency of a sound wave?

The frequency of a sound wave is affected by the source of the sound, the medium it travels through, and any obstructions or barriers in its path. For example, a higher frequency sound can be produced by a higher pitched instrument, and sound travels faster through denser mediums.

4. How does the frequency of sound affect our perception of it?

Our perception of sound is closely related to its frequency. Higher frequency sounds are perceived as higher pitched, while lower frequency sounds are perceived as lower pitched. The range of frequencies that we can hear also determines the range of sounds that we can distinguish.

5. What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Wavelength and frequency are inversely related - as the frequency of a wave increases, its wavelength decreases, and vice versa. This means that waves with higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths, while waves with lower frequencies have longer wavelengths.

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