Destructive interference near two speakers

In summary, the conversation discusses using units and formulas to determine the distance (x) from one speaker when given the wavelength (5.197m) and the distance difference of 50m. By solving the equation, it is found that x is 0.314m away from the speaker and the distance difference is 9.502 times the wavelength. The speed of sound was not explicitly stated, but a value of 325 m/s would lead to the correct answer of 1.6m given by the professor.
  • #1
help I have 12 hours
12
2
Homework Statement
Two acoustic speakers face each other at opposite ends of a 50.0 m walkway. The speakers broadcast an identical, 66 Hz sound wave in phase. Consider a person walking along x, the straight line from one speaker to the other.

Calculate the shortest distance from the face of either speaker to a position where destructive interference causes the sound to become weak. Show your work here, and then enter your final numeric answer in the next answer box.
Relevant Equations
change in path distance=wave length*(m+0.5)
v sound=343 m/s
where x is the distance from one speaker
343=(66)(5.197)
wave length =5.197m
x-(50-x)=(5.197)(m+0.5)
I choose m=-10

2x-50=(5.197)(-9.5)

x=0.314m?

Prof says correct answer is 1.6m tho
 
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  • #2
Working with units and formulas would make it easier to understand what you do.

x=0.314 m away from the speaker the distance difference is 50m-2*x = 49.382m, that is 9.502 times the wavelength. Looks good.

Was the speed of sound part of the problem statement? Assuming a different number here changes the result a lot. 325 m/s would lead to the answer of the professor. That value is a bit on the low side, but not impossible.
 

Related to Destructive interference near two speakers

What is destructive interference near two speakers?

Destructive interference near two speakers is a phenomenon that occurs when sound waves from two speakers cancel each other out, resulting in a decrease in overall sound intensity at certain points in space.

How does destructive interference near two speakers happen?

Destructive interference near two speakers happens when the sound waves from the two speakers are out of phase. This means that the peaks of one wave align with the troughs of the other wave, causing them to cancel each other out.

What factors affect the degree of destructive interference near two speakers?

The degree of destructive interference near two speakers can be affected by several factors, including the distance between the speakers, the frequency of the sound waves, and the relative amplitudes of the waves.

How can destructive interference near two speakers be minimized?

To minimize destructive interference near two speakers, the speakers can be placed at a greater distance from each other, the frequency of the sound waves can be adjusted, or the relative amplitudes of the waves can be balanced.

What are the practical applications of understanding destructive interference near two speakers?

Understanding destructive interference near two speakers is important in audio engineering and sound system design. It can also be applied in noise-cancelling technology to reduce unwanted sound in certain areas.

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