Sound Waves

Sound Waves
https://njctl.org/video/?v=EbpXlz-sjvk
Table of Contents:
Sound Waves
·Sound Characteristics and Sources
·Open and Closed Tubes
·Interference
·Doppler Effect and Sonic Booms
·Constructive and Destructive Interference
·Open Tube Problem
·Closed Tube Problem

Sound Characteristics
and Sources
Return to Table
of Contents
Characteristics of Sound
Sound is a longitudinal wave that can

travel through any kind of matter, but
not through a vacuum.
The speed of sound is different in

different materials; in general, it is
slowest in gases, faster in liquids,
and fastest in solids.
The speed depends somewhat on

temperature, especially for gases.
Click here for a video on sound

waves moving in different gases
Characteristics of Sound
Many of our problems will involve

sounds that we hear in air. Although
the speed of sound in air can vary,
we will use v = 340 m/s for the speed
of sound in air for most problems.
Because sound is a wave, we can

still solve for the wavelength or the
frequency of a sound using:
v = λf
Frequency
Sound waves are produced by vibrations that have frequencies
between 20 to 20,000 Hz.
Pitch: how sounds are heard - the pitch is directly proportional to

the frequency - higher musical notes have a higher pitch and higher
frequency.
Audible range: about 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz; upper limit decreases

with age
Ultrasound: above 20,000 Hz;
Infrasound: below 20 Hz
Example 1: Speed of Sound
A sound wave has a frequency of 300 Hz in air. What is its
wavelength?
Answer on next slide

Example 1: Speed of Sound
A sound wave has a frequency of 300 Hz in air. What is
its wavelength?
Given: f = 300 Hz, vsound = 340 m/s
Speed of sound equation
Solve for λ
Substitute in the givens

Example 2: Echoes
An echo off a building is heard 1.5 seconds after the
sound is made. How far away is the building?

Example 2: Echoes
An echo off a building is heard 1.5 seconds after the
sound is made. How far away is the building?
Given: t = 1.5 s, vsound = 340 m/s
Since echoes bounce off a surface

Use constant speed equation and come back,1.5 s is the time it
takes for the sound wave to go to
the building and come back. The
Solve for d distance the sound wave travels is
twice the distance to the building.
To calculate the distance to the
Substitute in givens building, substitute half of the time.
Example 3: Thunder and Lightning
A student hears thunder 6.0 s after a lightning strike. How far is
the student from where the lightning struck?

Example 3: Thunder and Lightning
A student hears thunder 6.0 s after a lightning strike. How far is
the student from where the lightning struck?
Given: t = 6.0 s, vsound = 340 m/s
Use constant speed equation
Unlike echoes, the sound from the

Solve for d thunder is a one-way trip;
substitute the given value for time.
Substitute in givens
Loudness and Intensity
The intensity of a wave is the energy
transported per unit time (power)
across a unit area and depends on the
amplitude of the wave.
The total energy carried by the wave

remains relatively constant, so the
power remains relatively constant.
2
The surface area of a sphere is 4πr ,
so the intensity is inversely
proportional to the distance from the
source.
Loudness and Intensity
The human ear can detect sounds
with an intensity as low as 10-12
W/m2 and as high as 100
2
W/m .
Because of the wide range of human

sound perception, intensity is
typically measured in decibels (dB),
and is called loudness.
The decibel scale is based on the

increase of 40 increase of minimum threshold of human
-12 2
(10+10+10+10) 10,000 hearing,10 W/m . Every time
(10x10x10x10) intensity increases by a power of 10
2
in W/m , the value in decibels
increases by the addition of 10.
Intensity of Sound: Decibels
An increase in sound level of
3 dB, which is a doubling in
intensity, is a very small
change in loudness.
Humans perceive
loudness, not intensity.
In open areas, the intensity

of sound diminishes with
distance:
However, in enclosed spaces this is complicated by reflections,

and if sound travels through air the higher frequencies get
preferentially absorbed.
The Ear and Its Response; Loudness
Loudness is the perception of the intensity of a

wave and depends on the physiology of the ear
and how sensitive it is to vibrations.
The Ear and Its Response; Loudness
Outer ear: sound waves travel down the ear canal to the
eardrum, which vibrates in response
Middle ear: hammer, anvil, and stirrup transfer vibrations to

inner ear
Inner ear: cochlea transforms vibrational energy to

electrical energy and sends signals to the brain
Click here for a video on hearing

Sources of Sound:
Vibrating Strings and Air Columns
Musical instruments produce sounds in various ways –
vibrating strings, vibrating membranes, vibrating metal or
wood shapes, vibrating air columns.
The vibration may be started by plucking, striking, bowing,

or blowing. The vibrations are transmitted to the air and
then to our ears.
Sources of Sound: Vibrating Strings and
Air Columns
The strings on a guitar can be
effectively shortened by
fingering, raising the
fundamental pitch.
The pitch of a string of a given

length can also be altered by
using a string of different
density.
Click here for a video on

guitar string pitch
Sources of Sound:
A piano uses both methods

to cover its more than
seven-octave range – the
lower strings (at bottom)
are both much longer and
much thicker than the
higher ones.
The strings on stringed instruments produce a fundamental

tone whose wavelength is twice the length of the string (shown
in the Waves unit of this course).
Sources of Sound:
Length Pitch
The product of string

length and pitch is a
constant.
Observe relationship between

wavelength and frequency
Sources of Sound:
The speed of a wave on a string

depends on the tension and the
linear density of the string.
The speed of sound in air is
approximately 340 m/s.
As the sound wave changes
medium from the instrument's
string into the air, its speed and
wavelength will change, but the
frequency remains constant.
Sources of Sound:
Wind instruments create

sound through standing
waves in a column of air.

sound in air columns
1 Sound waves travel with the greatest velocity in
A gase
s
B liquid
Answer
s
C solid C
s
D I need help
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=wYD-HDP3rYc
2 Which of the following frequencies can be perceieved by
humans?
A 10
Hz
B 1,000
Answer
Hz
C 100,000 B
Hz
D I need help
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=SmsSgzQZHB8
3 Doubling the distance from a sound source will change the
intensity (volume) by a factor of the original value
A 2
B 4
Answer
C 1/
4 C
D 1/
2
E I need help
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=hMqOE3knLuc
4 As you walk toward a sound source the volume will
A increas
e
B decreas
Answer
e
C will not A
change
D I need help
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=_Kf1BCv-awE
5 Reducing the distance from a sound source to one half the
original value will change the intensity (volume) by what
factor?
A 2
B 4
Answer
C 1/ B
4
D 1/
2
E I need help
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=NSEGauhtHFo
6 Cutting the distance from a sound source by a factor of 1/3
will change the intensity (volume) by a factor of the original
value
A 3
B 9
Answer
C 1/ B
3
D 1/
9
E I need help
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=92weEIoT6aY
7 Why is the intensity of sound typically measured in
decibels?
A The human ear can only detect sounds in small

range of intensities.
Answer
B large range
B The human ear detects sounds in a very
of intensities.
C The intensity of sound does not vary that much in air.
D Sound travels fastest in solids.
E I need help
https://njctl.org/video/?v=AEFcmVb9dIQ
8 Which of the sound wave characteristics do not change
when the wave moves from a vibrating string on a piano to
the air?
A speed
Answer
B wavelength C
C frequency
D All the above change
E I need help
https://njctl.org/video/?v=iyjmQ5kKPIA
9 For a stringed instrument, which of the following attributes
of the strings determines the frequency of the sound
waves produced when they are plucked?
A length
Answer
B thickness D
C color
D A and B are correct
E I need help
https://njctl.org/video/?v=DCkJe5p5Tuo
Open and Closed Tubes
Return to Table
https://njctl.org/video/?v=gYhOIyZxgrA of Contents
Sources of Sound:
Wind instruments create sound through standing waves in a
column of air.
Although some instruments are curved, it is easiest to think of just

a straight column of air.
Instruments that are open to the air at both ends are modeled as
an open tube. Instruments that are only open at one end are
modeled as closed tubes.
Flutes are examples of open tubes. Clarinets, oboes,

saxophones, and trumpets are closed tubes. Organ pipes can be
designed as either open or closed.
Sources of Sound:
An open tube has the same harmonic structure as a string.
Air Columns
If instead of air pressure variation, you look at air displacement, the
nodes and antinodes are switched.
Air Columns
In general we will solve problems with the antinodes at open ends of the
tube, because this is how the air inside the tube is vibrating (physically
moving).
Since there is an antinode at

each end, multiples of half
wavelengths will fit inside the
tube to resonate.
Sources of Sound:
The fundamental wavelength of a standing wave in an open tube is
twice the tube length.
The fundamental wavelength of a standing wave in a closed tube is
four times the tube length.
closed tube
open tube
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ https://upload.wikimedia.org/
commons/b/bf/ wikipedia/commons/6/6b/
Western_Concert_Flute.jpg Cl_family.jpg
Open Tube
A tube open at both ends (flute) has pressure nodes, and
therefore displacement antinodes, at the ends.
Open Tube
The general equation for the wavelength of an open tube is:
Where n is the number of nodes.

Closed Tube
The end of the tube is solid, so it is much

denser than air. When the wave reflects
off the end of the tube it inverts. Therefore,
there must be a displacement node at the
closed end of the tube.
The open end of the tube will still have the

air vibrating back and forth across the
opening, so there must be an antinode on
the open end.
Only odd multiples of quarter wavelengths

can vibrate in closed tubes.
Closed Tube
A tube closed at one end (clarinets, and some organ pipes) has a
displacement node (and pressure antinode) at the closed end.
Closed Tube
L L L L
1
The equations for closed tubes are

similar to open tubes, except the 2
becomes a 4 to represent the
quarter (1/4) wavelengths.
Since only odd multiples of quarter

wavelengths will resonate, n is
restricted to odd numbers.
Harmonics Impact on Sound
Why does a trumpet sound different from a flute when they play
the same notes? The answer lies in harmonics (multiples of the
fundamental frequency); which ones are present and how strong
they are, makes a big difference.
The plot below shows frequency spectra for a clarinet, a piano,
and a violin illustrating the differences in overtone strength.

sound and timbre
Harmonics Impact on Sound
Musical instruments have characteristic sounds due to the
relative amounts of each harmonic present, which depends on
their physical construction.
The guitar sting contains many standing waves of a variety of

frequencies (harmonics). What we hear is the mixture of these
frequencies and this is called timbre (pronounced "tamber")
Example 1: Open Tube
A pipe open on both ends has a length of 2.1 m. What are the first
three wavelengths that will resonate in the pipe?

Example 1: Open Tube
A pipe open on both ends has a length of 2.1 m. What are the first
three wavelengths that will resonate in the pipe?
Given: L= 2.1 m
Use the open tube equation
For open tubes, n = 1, 2, 3...
Example 2: Closed Tube
A pipe open on one end has a length of 0.8 m. What are first three
frequencies that will resonate in the pipe?

Example 2: Closed Tube
A pipe open on one end has a length of 0.8 m. What are first three
frequencies that will resonate in the pipe?
Given: L= 0.8 m, v = 340 m/s
Use the closed tube equation
For closed tubes be sure to:

~use the equation with the 4
~remember that n = 1, 3, 5...
Example 3: Harmonics
A pipe open on both ends has a fundamental frequency of 125 Hz.
What are the next three harmonics that will resonate in the pipe?

Example 3: Harmonics
A pipe open on both ends has a fundamental frequency of 125 Hz.
What are the next three harmonics that will resonate in the pipe?
Given: f1 = 125 Hz
Use the equation for frequency Substitute in givens

10 A sound wave resonates in a tube of length 2 m with two
open ends. What is the wavelength of the lowest
resonating frequency of the tube?
A 1m
B 1.5 m
C 2m
Answer
D 4m D
E I need help
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=5jrEfQWG1c4
11 A sound wave resonates in a tube of length 2.0 m with two
open ends. What is the lowest resonating frequency of the
tube if the speed of sound in air is 340 m/s?
A 85 Hz
B 170 Hz
Answer
C 340 Hz A
D 480 Hz
E I need help
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=6PG2uub_B10
12 A sound wave resonates in a tube of length 6.0 m with two
open ends. What is the lowest resonating frequency of the
tube if the speed of sound in air is 340 m/s?
A 24 Hz
B 28 Hz
Answer
C 48 Hz B
D 56 Hz
E I need help
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=WcX3uoVJMNw
13 A sound wave resonates in a tube of length 2.0 m with
one open end. What is the wavelength of the lowest
A 1m
B 1.5 m
C 2m
Answer
D 8m
D
E I need
help
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=UeTF68F8BEg
14 A sound wave resonates in a tube of length 2.0 m with
one open end. What is the lowest resonating frequency
of the tube if the speed of sound in air is 340 m/s?
A 42.5 Hz
Answer
B 85.0 Hz A
C 170 Hz
D 340 Hz
E I need help
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=pnzOORrgTlo
15 A sound wave resonates in a tube of length 2.0 m with one
open end. What is the next lowest resonating frequency of
the tube if the speed of sound in air is 340 m/s?
A 42.5 Hz C
f=42.5Hz
B 85.0 Hz
Answer
3f=127.5Hz
C 127.5 Hz 5f=212.5Hz
D 170.0 Hz
Since resonance occurs
at f, 3f, and 5f
E I need help
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=5HMxPu2VX14
16 A sound wave resonates in a tube of length 1/2 m with
one open end. What is the wavelength of the lowest
A 1m
B 1.5 m
C 2m
Answer
D 4m
C
E I need help
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=0AoPbUT-PrA
17 A sound wave resonates in a tube of length 1/2 m with
one open end. What is the lowest resonating frequency
of the tube if the speed of sound in air is 340 m/s?
A 42.5 Hz
Answer
B 85.0 Hz D
C 127.5 Hz
D 170.0 Hz
E I need help
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=M-SXIBZF8EM
18 A sound wave resonates in a tube of length 1/2 m with one
open end. What is the next lowest resonating frequency of
the tube if the speed of sound in air is 340Cm/s?
A 170 Hz f=170Hz
Answer
3f=510Hz
B 340 Hz 5f=850Hz
C 510 Hz
Since resonance occurs
D 850 Hz at f, 3f, and 5f
E I need help
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=pLsi8ycnhUY
Interference
Return to Table
https://njctl.org/video/?v=J85H1IFtEOc of Contents
Interference; Principle of Superposition
Two waves are in phase when they differ by an integral number of
wavelengths (1λ, 2λ, 3λ,...). They are out of phase when they
differ by an odd integral number of half a wavelength (λ/2, 3λ/2,
5λ/2,...). If neither condition is met, then they are partially out of
phase.
constructive destructive partially destructive

Interference
Two sound sources emit sound with the same amplitude and
wavelength and are switched on at the same time.
For this first example, both waves travel the same path length
(distance) to a listener.
The waves add together in constructive interference.
The sound waves are in phase and their sum will be a maximum,
and the listener hears the loudest possible sound.
Listener
Sound sources
Interference
Move the red source so its waves travel a path length that is 1/2 λ
different from the green source. They will add together in
destructive interference.
The sound waves are completely out of phase, and their sum will
be zero. The listener will not hear anything.
Listener
Interference
Move the red source closer to the listener so the sound waves
travel a path length difference that is an odd multiple of 1/2 λ (3/2
λ is shown as an example); they will add together in destructive
interference.
The sound waves are completely out of phase, and their sum will
be zero. The listener will not hear anything.
Listener
Interference
Finally, move the red source so the sound waves travel a path
length difference that is an integer multiple of λ (2λ is shown as an
example); they will add together in constructive interference.
The sound waves are completely in phase and the listener will hear
a maximum sound.
Listener
Interference of Sound Waves
Sound waves interfere in the same way

that other waves do in space.
Constructive interference occurs

when two crests or two troughs
meet.
When a listener is located where
constructive interference is
occurring, there will be a loud spot.
Constructive interference
occurs at the red dots.
Destructive interference occurs

when a crest and a trough meet.
When a listener is located
where destructive interference is
occurring, there will be little or no
sound.
Destructive interference
occurs at the green dots.
Destructive
Interference
Constructive
Interference
A microphone is placed at several places and the sounds are fed

into an oscilloscope (picture to the right) that shows the sound
amplitudes. Destructive interference occurs along the radial bands
indicated. Constructive interference occurs where the scope shows
alternating dark and light bands.
Here's a view of two speakers, separated by a distance, d, and a
distance L from a microphone that can move up and down on a post
to record the loudness of the sound from the speakers.
L
loud spot
no sound
loud spot
no sound
d θ1 θ2 loud spot
no sound
A loud spot
no sound
loud spot
The microphone records a pattern of alternating loud spots and

places with no sound. The sound from each speaker, except for
point A, on the center line, travels a different path length before
reaching the microphone.
If the difference in path lengths is an integer multiple of the
wavelength, it results in a loud sound; constructive interference. If it
is an odd integer multiple of half of a wavelength, it results in no
sound; destructive interference.
L
loud spot
no sound
loud spot
no sound
d θ1 θ2 loud spot
no sound
loud spot
no sound
loud spot
Maxima and Minima
Using some math that is beyond the scope of this course, the
locations of the maxima (constructive interference) and minima
(destructive interference) are found to be:
maxima minima
m is the order of the interference fringe: m = 0, ±1, ±2, ±3,...

x is the distance on the post from the centerline (Point A)
L
x loud spot
no sound
loud spot
no sound
d θ1 θ2 loud spot
no sound
A loud spot
no sound
-x loud spot
Maxima and Minima
Negative values of x show the location of the fringes below the
centerline. Positive values are above the center line.
The central maximum (m = 0) is on the center line (x = 0).
L
x loud spot
no sound
loud spot
no sound
d θ1 θ2 loud spot
no sound
A loud spot
no sound
-x loud spot
maxima minima
m = 0, ±1, ±2, ±3,...
Example 1: Interference
Two speakers separated by a distance of 0.75 m are placed 12 m
from a listener. The speakers generate a sound with a wavelength
of 0.20 m.
What is the distance between the central maximum and the first
place where the listener detects maximum sound?

Two speakers separated by a distance of 0.75 m are placed 12 m
from a listener. The speakers generate a sound with a wavelength
of 0.20 m.
place where the listener detects maximum sound?
Given: d = 0.75 m, L = 12 m, λ = 0.20 m, m = 1 ("first" place)
Constructive interference equation
Two speakers separated by a distance of 0.75 m are placed at a
distance 12 m from a listener. The speakers generate a sound with
a wavelength of 0.20 m.
place where the listener detects no sound?

Two speakers separated by a distance of 0.75 m are placed at a
distance 12 m from a listener. The speakers generate a sound with
a wavelength of 0.20 m.
place where the listener detects no sound?
Given: d = 0.75 m, L = 12 m, λ = 0.2 m, m = 0 (first place there is no
sound)
Destructive interference equation
Beat frequency
Waves can also interfere in time, causing a phenomenon called
beats. Beats are the slow “envelope” around two waves that are
relatively close in frequency.
In general, the beat frequency is the difference in frequency of the

two waves.
Tb = 0.04 s
fb = 1/Tb = 25 Hz
Beat Frequency
Shown on top in blue and green are two waves with frequencies of
300 Hz and 275 Hz. The second graph, shows the sum of these two
waves. The third graph shows the 25 Hz beat frequency, in purple,
that can be heard.
Tb = 0.04 s fb = 1/Tb = 25 Hz
Beat Frequency
The beat frequency makes a "wah-wah" sound. Please click on the

below picture from Saint Mary's University to hear it.
Example 1: Beat Frequency
Two speakers emit sound waves of different frequencies; the first is
525 Hz. The second is 650 Hz. What beat frequency is heard?

Example 1: Beat Frequency
Two speakers emit sound waves of different frequencies; the first is
525 Hz. The second is 650 Hz. What beat frequency is heard?
Given: f1 = 525 Hz, f2 = 650 Hz
The beat frequency is the difference between the two

emitted frequencies:
19 When sound waves, emitted from two sources, travel the
same distance to a listener, they will interfere _____.
A constructively
Answer
B destructively
A
C partially constructively
D partially destructively
E I need help
https://njctl.org/video/?v=BKuCo-80fIU
20 When sound waves, emitted from two sources, travel a
distance to a listener that differs by an odd number of half
wavelengths, they will interfere _____.
A constructively
Answer
B destructively
B
C partially constructively
D partially destructively
E I need help
https://njctl.org/video/?v=PTYPvBMjg44
21 If two waves arrive at a listener and they differ by half a
wavelength, they will experience _____.
Answer
A constructive interference
B
B destructive interference
C partial constructive interference
D they will have no impact on each other
E I need help
https://njctl.org/video/?v=c_SwmnUzP-Y
22 Two traveling waves arrive at a listener's location after
traveling distances that differ by 2λ. The listener will
experience _____.
Answer
B destructive interference
A
C partial constructive interference
E I need help
https://njctl.org/video/?v=EbTaba9PZLY
23 Two traveling waves arrive at a listener's location after
traveling distances that differ by λ/4. The listener will
experience _____.
Answer
B destructive interference C
C partial destructive interference
E I need help
https://njctl.org/video/?v=9r_HZhCQjy4
24 Two speakers separated by a distance of 2.0 m are
placed at a distance 5.0 m from a wall. The speakers are
generating a sound with a frequency of 1500 Hz.
D
What is the wavelength of the sound wave?
Answer
A 0.090 m
B 0.14 m
C 0.18 m
D 0.23 m
E I need help
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=YVLHmLq79Dc
placed at a distance 5.0 m from a wall. The speakers are
B
What is the distance between the central maximum and
the first place when a listener detects no sound?
Answer
A 0.17 m
B 0.29 m
C 0.41 m
D 0.48 m
E I need help
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=VrZUjTvkii8
placed at a distance 10 m from a wall. The speakers are
B
What is the wavelength of the sound wave?
Answer
https://njctl.org/video/?v=_sDi9sQ35Cw
placed at a distance 10 m from a wall. The speakers are
A
At the wall, what is the distance between the central
maximum and the first place when a listener detects no
Answer
sound?
A 0.27 m
B 0.49 m
C 0.58 m
D 0.70 m
https://njctl.org/video/?v=EEPcsFZUPm8
E I need help
28 Two tuning forks produce two frequencies of 500 Hz and
450 Hz. What is the beat frequency?
A 50 Hz
Answer
B 450 Hz
A
C 500 Hz
D 950 Hz
E I need help
https://njctl.org/video/?v=nUnZgm0uahk
29 Two tuning forks produce two frequencies of 50 Hz and
48 Hz. What is the beat frequency?
A 2.0 Hz
B 48 Hz
Answer
A
C 50 Hz
D 98 Hz
E I need help
https://njctl.org/video/?v=bh2tjkuSTII
Doppler Effect and
Sonic Booms
Return to Table
https://njctl.org/video/?v=pOmkNW8peZQ of Contents
Doppler Effect
The Doppler effect occurs when a source of sound is moving
with respect to an observer.
Click here for a video on the doppler effect

Doppler Effect
The Doppler effect is the frequency shift of a sound due to the
motion of the sound source or the observer.
A source emits a sound of a given frequency. If the source is
moving towards the observer, the observer hears a higher
frequency (shorter wavelength) sound then the one emitted.
If the source is moving away from the observer, a lower frequency
(higher wavelength) sound is heard.
Doppler Effect
Observer A in front of the firetruck hears a higher frequency
sound than the sound emitted by the firetruck.
Observer B behind the firetruck hears a lower frequency sound
than the sound emitted by the firetruck.
B A
Doppler Effect
If the observer is moving with respect to the source, things are
a bit different. The wavelength remains the same, but the wave
speed is different for the observer.
However, the effect is much the same. The observed frequency

goes up as you go towards a sound source, and down if you go
way from one.
Doppler Effect
Observer X is moving away from the car and will perceive a

longer wavelength and lower frequency than a stationary
observer.
Observer Y is moving towards the car and will perceive a

shorter wavelength and higher frequency than a stationary
observer.
Shock Waves and the Sonic Boom
If a source is moving faster than the wave speed in a medium,
waves cannot keep up and a shock wave is formed.

the sound barrier
Shock waves are analogous to the bow waves produced by a boat
going faster than the wave speed in water.
Aircraft exceeding the speed of sound in air will produce two
sonic booms, one from the front and one from the tail.
30 If a sound source is moving toward the listener. The
listener will experience an __________ in the pitch of
sound that he or she hears.
A increase
B decrease
Answer
C I need help
A
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=Ojyg9NpeSL0
31 If a sound source is moving away from the listener. The
listener will experience an __________ in the pitch of
sound that he or she hears.
A increase
B decrease
Answer
C I need help
B
https://www.njctl.org/video/?v=LdObugf8CSg
Constructive and
Destructive Interference
Return to Table
https://njctl.org/video/?v=gtqv1EMdDoY
of Contents
Constructive and Destructive Interference
Two loudspeakers separated by a distance 0.4 m are placed at a distance

of 1.2 m from y-axis. The loudspeakers generate waves with the same
frequency 2200 Hz. The waves oscillate in phase. When a microphone
moves in parallel to the y-axis it can detect points with no sound or sound
of maximum amplitude.
a. Determine the wavelength of the sound waves.
b. Determine the distance from the origin to the first-order maximum.
c. Determine the distance from the origin to the first point where the
microphone detects no sound.
Answer on next slides
a. Determine the wavelength of the sound waves.

Given: d = 0.4 mL = 1.2 mf = 2200 Hzvsound = 340 m/s
Use the equation for the wave speed

Solve for the wavelength
b. Determine the distance from the origin to the first-order maximum.
Given:d = 0.4 mL = 1.2 mf = 2200 Hzvsound = 340 m/s

Use the equation for constructive interference
c. Determine the distance from the origin to the first point where the
microphone detects no sound.
Given:d = 0.4 mL = 1.2 mf = 2200 Hzvsound = 340 m/s
Use the equation for destructive interference
Open Tube Problem
Return to Table
https://njctl.org/video/?v=mw3cdmY1lCc of Contents
Open Tube Problem
A sound wave resonates in a pipe open on both ends as shown above.

The length of the pipe is 4.2 m.
a. Which harmonic is shown in the pipe?
b. What is the wavelength of the sound?
c. What is the fundamental frequency?
d. What is the second harmonic?
Answer on next slides

Open Tube Problem

To find the harmonic of an open tube, count the number of
half wavelengths. This is visually highlighted as:
There are three half

wavelengths, so n = 3.
Alternatively, the number of nodes can be counted, with the

same result, n = 3.
Open Tube Problem

Use the equation for the The length was given
wavelength in an open tube as L = 4.2 m
n was found in part a,
Substitute in givens n=3
Open Tube Problem

Use the equation for the frequency in
an open tube
The length was given as L = 4.2 m.

Be sure to use n = 1 because the problem asks for the fundamental
frequency.
v is the speed of sound in air, v = 340 m/s.
Open Tube Problem
d. What is the second harmonic?
Use the harmonic equation
The fundamental frequency, f1, was calculated in part c. The

harmonics are all multiples of the fundamental frequency.
Use the harmonic equation and substitute and solve.
Closed Tube Problem
Return to Table
https://njctl.org/video/?v=yjf233lXzVQ
of Contents
Closed Tube Problem
A sound wave resonates in a pipe open on one end as shown above.

The length of the pipe is 3.6 m.
d. What is the fifth harmonic?
Closed Tube Problem

To find the harmonic of a closed tube, count the number of
quarter wavelengths. This is visually highlighted as:
There are nine quarter

wavelengths, so n = 9.
Alternately, for closed tubes, each

1+2+2+2+2=9 full loop can be counted as 2.
Closed Tube Problem

Use the equation for the wavelength in a closed tube.
The length was given as L = 3.6 m

m was found in part a, n = 9
Closed Tube Problem

Use the equation for the frequency in
a closed tube.
The length was given as L = 3.6 m

Be sure to use n = 1 because the problem
asks for the fundamental frequency
v is the speed of sound in air, v = 340 m/s
Closed Tube Problem
d. What is the fifth harmonic?
Use the harmonic equation and

substitute and solve.
The fundamental frequency, f1, was calculated in part c. The

harmonics are all multiples of the fundamental frequency.
Use the harmonic equation and substitute and solve.

Sound Waves

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Sound Waves

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Sound Waves

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Sound Waves

·Sound Characteristics and Sources

·Open and Closed Tubes

·Doppler Effect and Sonic Booms

·Constructive and Destructive Interference

·Open Tube Problem

·Closed Tube Problem

Sound is a longitudinal wave that can

The speed of sound is different in

The speed depends somewhat on

Click here for a video on sound

Many of our problems will involve

Because sound is a wave, we can

Pitch: how sounds are heard - the pitch is directly proportional to

Audible range: about 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz; upper limit decreases

Ultrasound: above 20,000 Hz;

Answer on next slide

Speed of sound equation

Substitute in the givens

Answer on next slide

Since echoes bounce off a surface

Answer on next slide

Unlike echoes, the sound from the

The total energy carried by the wave

Because of the wide range of human

The decibel scale is based on the

In open areas, the intensity

However, in enclosed spaces this is complicated by reflections,

Loudness is the perception of the intensity of a

Middle ear: hammer, anvil, and stirrup transfer vibrations to

Inner ear: cochlea transforms vibrational energy to

Click here for a video on hearing

The vibration may be started by plucking, striking, bowing,

The pitch of a string of a given

Click here for a video on

A piano uses both methods

The strings on stringed instruments produce a fundamental

The product of string

Observe relationship between

The speed of a wave on a string

Wind instruments create

Click here for a video on

A The human ear can only detect sounds in small

C The intensity of sound does not vary that much in air.

D Sound travels fastest in solids.

D All the above change

D A and B are correct

Although some instruments are curved, it is easiest to think of just

Flutes are examples of open tubes. Clarinets, oboes,

Since there is an antinode at

The general equation for the wavelength of an open tube is:

Where n is the number of nodes.

The end of the tube is solid, so it is much

The open end of the tube will still have the

Only odd multiples of quarter wavelengths

The equations for closed tubes are

Since only odd multiples of quarter

Click here for a video on

The guitar sting contains many standing waves of a variety of

Answer on next slide