You sit in the midline, front of two loudspeakers. The distance between the loudspeakers is 1 m.

The distance from you to the middle of the speakers is also 1 m. A signal of frequency 343 Hz is played on both speakers, the sound power is 0.1 [W]. We assume that the room is in normal temperature (20 degC) and the sound velocity is 343 m/s. What is the intensity of the sound on that spot where you sit, when: a) there is no phase shift between the speakers b) there is 180 degrees phase shift between the signals in the speakers. Extra credit: c) Specify the intensity of the sound when there is 1 Hz difference in the frequency played on the speakers.

Interpret: Develop: Evaluate: a)

This is an Interference problem. Write the equation of the combined wave.

There is no phase shift between the speakers: Combined wave: y(t) = Acost + A cost = 2Acost (because =) Thus the intensity is maximum and I would hear the full volume.

b) There is 180 degrees phase shift between the signals in the speakers: Combined wave: y(t) = Acost + A cos(t ) = 0 (because =) Thus the intensity is maximum and I would hear the full volume. c) Specify the intensity of the sound when there is 1 Hz difference in the frequency played on the speakers: Combined wave: y(t) = Acost + A cost = 2A cos[ ( ) t] cos[ ( + ) t] Thus the sound would vary from 0 to full volume and then to 0 again, in every 1 second.