What is the Power of Sound Waves in a Tube Filled with Helium Gas?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the power of sound waves generated in a tube filled with helium gas, given specific conditions such as pressure, temperature, and the motion of a piston. The subject area includes concepts from thermodynamics and wave mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to determine the power of sound waves but expresses uncertainty about the meaning of "power goes into." They have calculated the density of helium but struggle with finding the velocity of sound and the wave number. Other participants provide references to formulas and question the definitions of certain variables, including the adiabatic constant and bulk modulus.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the definitions and relationships between various physical quantities. Some participants have provided helpful links to resources, while others are exploring different interpretations of the equations involved. There is an ongoing exchange of ideas without a clear consensus on the definitions or the approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential issues with unit conversions and the need for clarity regarding the definitions of physical constants. There is also mention of the specific value of the adiabatic constant for helium and the importance of using consistent units for density.

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Homework Statement


Suppose a tube is filled with helium gas at a pressure of 0.11MPa and a temperature of 297K. If a piston of area of 400mm2 at one end of the tube creates sound by moving sinusoidally with a frequency of 60Hz, creating a wave with amplitude of 3.8mm,
what power goes into (I'm assuming he means either max power or average power, but honestly I'm not sure what he meant by "power goes into") the sound waves formed?
T = 297k
P(initial) = 0.11MPa = 1.1×105Pa
ƒ = 60Hz
A = 3.8mm = 0.0038m

Homework Equations


PV = nRT, ρ = PM / RT, β = v2ρ, POWER(max) = √(μF) ⋅ω2A, ω = 2(pi)⋅ƒ, v2 = F / μ, PRESSURE = F / (AREA), μ = ρV / L= ρr2(pi) --->
*because V = Lr2(pi), ω = kv, kλ = 2(pi)

The Attempt at a Solution


I got ρ = 0.1782 (approx) . I've been struggling a lot with this problem even though I don't have much work here to show for it. Most of the couple hours (literally hours) I've spent staring at this problem has been spent scouring the book for various equations that look like they may possibly help. I just can't figure out how to get the velocity (v) or the k without being given one of the two. Also I apologize for having to type in pi. I couldn't find the symbol in the available options and I don't see it on my keyboard. I also did some simple conversions from mm to meters, and so on.
 
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TSny said:
For a formula for the speed of sound in an ideal gas, see http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Sound/souspe3.html

Your numerical value for ρ should include units.

There is a symbol for pi (π) near the middle of the first line of the available symbol options.
I see the π now. Thank you. I was looking for a squiggly line on the top; that's why I missed it. Thanks for the response altogether really. I saw that equation before. I just didn't remember/bother to write it down because the one definition of the adiabatic constant (idk which of your symbols you use for that, because none of them look that similar to the page you linked me. maybe Ψ or ϒ?) that I could find was γ = β / P(initial / equilibrium), and the definition for β I'm using is β = v2ρ. It's a circle. I read your link fully btw. Please, more help
 
I took another gander at the equation for the velocity of sound through gas that you linked again. I noticed an alternate definition for the bulk mod β. Can you please confirm whether the following is true?
β = P(equilibrium) / ρ
γ = β / P(equilibrium)
I used these two definitions in a problem earlier, but I can't shake the feeling at least one of them must be wrong, because wouldn't the P(equilibrium) cancel in the definition for the adiabatic constant γ and it would equal nothing more than 1 / ρ ? ρ being density of course.
 
Oh ya, I put density ρ in kg / L ... At least I think :sorry:
 
The constant ##\gamma## has a specific value for all monatomic gases, such as He. If you scroll down to about the middle of the link in post #2, you will see the value.

Your value for the density of He at the pressure and temperature given in the problem does not look correct if you are using units of kg/L. However, it looks correct for SI units. What would be the units for density in SI units?
 

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