What is the intensity formula for a spherical sound wave?

In summary, the intensity formula for a spherical sound wave is defined as the product of the sound pressure squared and the acoustic impedance of the medium through which the wave travels. It is represented by the equation I = (p^2)/Z, where I is intensity, p is sound pressure, and Z is acoustic impedance. This formula is used to calculate the amount of energy carried by a sound wave and is measured in units of watts per square meter.
  • #1
Pastel
6
0

Homework Statement


I need the formula of the intensity of a sound wave at distance r from the source. The wave is spherical, and we know [tex]\rho[/tex], c, the speed of the wave, [tex]\omega[/tex], the pulsation, and A, the amplitude of the wave.

Homework Equations


The problem text specifies that intensity is the energy [tex]\Delta[/tex]W that passes, during one unit of time, the unit of surface perpendicular to the direction of the propagation of the wave.

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know how to calculate [tex]\Delta[/tex]W.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
A google search for "sound wave intensity formula" yields a large number of hits.
http://www.ajdesigner.com/phpsound/sound_wave_equation_intensity.php has one.

The main feature of the formula will be 1/distance squared dropoff in the intensity as the energy of the wave is spread over the surface area of an increasing large sphere centered on the source.
 
  • #3
Delphi51 said:
A google search for "sound wave intensity formula" yields a large number of hits.
http://www.ajdesigner.com/phpsound/sound_wave_equation_intensity.php has one.

The main feature of the formula will be 1/distance squared dropoff in the intensity as the energy of the wave is spread over the surface area of an increasing large sphere centered on the source.

Thanks, but that doesn't really help. Believe me, I've tried Google. The link you offered has a formula that might be useful, were I to know the sound power, which I don't. What I do know is amplitude and pulsation, as I've said.
 

FAQ: What is the intensity formula for a spherical sound wave?

What is the definition of "intensity" in relation to sound waves?

Intensity is a measure of the power or energy of a sound wave, which determines how loud or soft a sound is perceived by the human ear.

How is the intensity of a sound wave measured?

The intensity of a sound wave is typically measured in units of decibels (dB), which is a logarithmic scale that compares the sound wave to a reference level of 0 dB. The higher the decibel level, the greater the intensity of the sound wave.

What factors affect the intensity of a sound wave?

The intensity of a sound wave can be affected by the amplitude (height) of the wave, the distance from the source of the sound, and any obstacles or materials that the sound wave must travel through.

How does the intensity of a sound wave relate to its perceived loudness?

The intensity of a sound wave is directly related to its perceived loudness. As the intensity increases, the sound is perceived as louder, and as the intensity decreases, the sound is perceived as softer.

Can the intensity of a sound wave be harmful?

Yes, high levels of intensity (measured in decibels) can be damaging to the human ear and can cause hearing loss. It is important to protect your ears from loud sounds and to use earplugs or other hearing protection when exposed to high levels of sound intensity for extended periods of time.

Similar threads

Max velocity of a vibrating loud speaker membrane given sound intensity
Replies
4
Views
2K
Calculating τ by knowing I is proportional to A^2
Replies
8
Views
2K
Sound Wave Interference Problem
Replies
5
Views
2K
Problem on Doppler effect and sound level
Replies
1
Views
2K
Sound Wave Interference and Finding the Path Differences with Diagrams
Replies
20
Views
3K
Loudspeaker Question (Sound and Intensity)
Replies
1
Views
2K
Calculating Intensities of Out-of-Phase Sound Waves
Replies
1
Views
2K
Critical frequency of Faraday Waves?
Replies
6
Views
795
Sound intensity of a thunderbolt
Replies
1
Views
1K
Calculate Intensity of Sound Waves at 3.0 m from Source
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top