Prove that sound waves propagate with a speed given by
Equation 17.1. Proceed as follows. In Figure 17.3, consider a
thin cylindrical layer of air in the cylinder, with face area A
and thickness 'x. Draw a free-body diagram of this thin layer.
Show that %Fx # max implies that *[+('P)/+x]A 'x #
!A 'x(+2s/+t2). By substituting 'P # *B(+s1+x), obtain the
wave equation for sound, (B/!)(+2s/+x2) # (+2s/+t2). To a
mathematical physicist, this equation demonstrates the
existence of sound waves and determines their speed.
As a physics student, you must take another step or two.
Substitute into the wave equation the trial solution s(x, t) #
smax cos(kx * )t). Show that this function satisfies the
wave equation provided that This result reveals
that sound waves exist provided that they move with the
speed
Section 17.3 Intensity of Periodic Sound Waves
18. The area of a typical eardrum is about 5.00 & 10* 5 m2.
Calculate the sound power incident on an eardrum at
(a) the threshold of hearing and (b) the threshold of pain.
Calculate the sound level in decibels of a sound wave that
has an intensity of 4.00 "W/m2.
20. A vacuum cleaner produces sound with a measured sound
level of 70.0 dB. (a) What is the intensity of this sound in
W/m2? (b) What is the pressure amplitude of the sound?
21. The intensity of a sound wave at a fixed distance from a
speaker vibrating at 1.00 kHz is 0.600 W/m2. (a) Determine
the intensity if the frequency is increased to 2.50 kHz
while a constant displacement amplitude is maintained.
(b) Calculate the intensity if the frequency is reduced to
0.500 kHz and the displacement amplitude is doubled.
22. The intensity of a sound wave at a fixed distance from a
speaker vibrating at a frequency f is I. (a) Determine the
intensity if the frequency is increased to f . while a constant
displacement amplitude is maintained. (b) Calculate the
intensity if the frequency is reduced to f/2 and the displacement
amplitude is doubled.