- #1
chinnie15
- 29
- 0
Homework Statement
Two speakers are emitting identical sound waves with a wavelength of 4.0 m. The speakers are 8.0 m apart, directed toward each other. At each of the noted points (a-e) in the above diagram (at 2,3,4,5, and 6 meters, respectively), is the interference constructive, destructive, or somewhere in between?
Homework Equations
Δr=|r2-r1|
The Attempt at a Solution
Ok, so, mathematically, I understand this with no problem. I know that a, c, and e are constructive and that b and d are destructive, based off the formula.
For example, for a:
r1= 2m → .5λ and r2= 6m → 1.5λ
Δr= |1.5λ-.5λ|= 1λ. It's a whole wavelength, so it's constructive.
I get that. What I don't understand, is how exactly the waves appear on the picture. The image we're given has the line without the wave included (attached if interested). They are equally spaced and have the same exact wavelength, so wouldn't that mean that the waves perfectly overlap? I am having the hardest time imagining how these two waves will look. When I draw them both out, they are both literally identical (they go one right on top of the other). What am I failing to see? Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I am not so great at seeing these sort of things sometimes.
Thank you for any help!