What is the intensity formula for a spherical sound wave?

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SUMMARY

The intensity formula for a spherical sound wave at a distance r from the source is defined by the relationship I = (1/(4πr²)) * (ρcA²ω²), where ρ is the density of the medium, c is the speed of sound, A is the amplitude, and ω is the angular frequency. The intensity decreases with the square of the distance due to the spreading of energy over the surface area of a sphere. Understanding this formula is crucial for calculating sound intensity when specific parameters like amplitude and pulsation are known.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave properties, specifically sound waves
  • Familiarity with the concepts of intensity and energy transfer
  • Knowledge of the physical constants: density (ρ) and speed of sound (c)
  • Basic mathematical skills for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of the intensity formula for sound waves
  • Learn about the relationship between amplitude, frequency, and intensity in sound waves
  • Explore the effects of medium properties on sound wave propagation
  • Investigate practical applications of sound intensity calculations in acoustics
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Students studying physics, acoustics engineers, and anyone interested in understanding sound wave behavior and intensity calculations.

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Homework Statement


I need the formula of the intensity of a sound wave at distance r from the source. The wave is spherical, and we know \rho, c, the speed of the wave, \omega, the pulsation, and A, the amplitude of the wave.

Homework Equations


The problem text specifies that intensity is the energy \DeltaW that passes, during one unit of time, the unit of surface perpendicular to the direction of the propagation of the wave.

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know how to calculate \DeltaW.
 
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A google search for "sound wave intensity formula" yields a large number of hits.
http://www.ajdesigner.com/phpsound/sound_wave_equation_intensity.php has one.

The main feature of the formula will be 1/distance squared dropoff in the intensity as the energy of the wave is spread over the surface area of an increasing large sphere centered on the source.
 
Delphi51 said:
A google search for "sound wave intensity formula" yields a large number of hits.
http://www.ajdesigner.com/phpsound/sound_wave_equation_intensity.php has one.

The main feature of the formula will be 1/distance squared dropoff in the intensity as the energy of the wave is spread over the surface area of an increasing large sphere centered on the source.

Thanks, but that doesn't really help. Believe me, I've tried Google. The link you offered has a formula that might be useful, were I to know the sound power, which I don't. What I do know is amplitude and pulsation, as I've said.
 

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