Sound wave thru a tube question

In summary, the conversation discussed two tubes, both 12 feet long, with one having a 4" diameter for its entire length and the other having a 4" diameter segment for 4 feet, expanding to 5" diameter for 4 feet, then reducing back to 4" for the remaining 4 feet. It was questioned whether the sound exiting the far end of both tubes would be the same if the same sound was injected into both tubes. The response was that the sound would be different because when the sound waves expand to 5", it creates a new sound before re-entering the 4" section, resulting in a lower tone. The conversation concluded that this was not homework, but rather a personal project for
  • #1
steveo70
2
0
I have two tubes. Both are 12 feet long. One is 4" diameter for its entire length. The other has a 4" diameter segment for 4 feet, expands to 5" diameter for 4 feet, then reduces back to 4" for the remaining 4 feet.

If the same sound is injected into both tubes, will the sound exiting the far end of both tubes be the same ? Any info would be helpful. Thanks.
 
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  • #2
What do you think? Is this homework?
 
  • #3
No. Because when the sound waves expand to 5", it's like starting with a whole new sound then it reenters the 4" section which changes the sound once more.
 
  • #4
This is not homework, its for a personal project. I am (obviously) not an engineer.

So the sound exiting is different ? How ? Lower tone ?
 

FAQ: Sound wave thru a tube question

What is a sound wave?

A sound wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium, such as air or water, and carries energy from one place to another. It is created by vibrations or movements of objects, such as vocal cords or speakers, which cause changes in air pressure that our ears perceive as sound.

How does sound travel through a tube?

Sound travels through a tube in the same way it travels through any medium. As the sound wave is created, it causes compressions and rarefactions in the air particles inside the tube, which then propagate through the tube. The particles vibrate back and forth, carrying the sound energy through the tube until it reaches the other end.

What factors affect the speed of sound through a tube?

Several factors can affect the speed of sound through a tube, including the properties of the medium (such as temperature, density, and elasticity), the shape and size of the tube, and any obstacles or obstructions in the tube that may cause reflections or diffractions of the sound wave.

How does the diameter of a tube affect the sound wave?

The diameter of a tube can affect the sound wave in several ways. A wider tube will allow for more particles to vibrate, resulting in a louder sound. It can also affect the resonance frequency of the tube, which is the frequency at which the tube naturally vibrates. A longer, narrower tube will have a lower resonance frequency, while a shorter, wider tube will have a higher resonance frequency.

Can sound waves travel through all types of tubes?

Yes, sound waves can travel through all types of tubes, as long as they are filled with a medium that can support the propagation of sound. This includes tubes made of different materials, such as metal, plastic, or glass, as well as tubes with different shapes and sizes. However, the properties of the tubes may affect the speed, loudness, or quality of the sound wave.

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