One unit of ( X ) is equal to ten times one-tenth of ( X ). We are at liberty to allow ( X ) to be a quantity of anything we wish. For example, let’s allow ( X ) to be a dollar bill: 1 dollar = ( 10 )( 1 tenth dollars )Continue reading “SOUND: The Decibel Scale”
Category Archives: Sound
SOUND: What is the Sound-Intensity and Perceived Increase in Loudness at 1/4th the Distance?
Mr. Titus Tulay recently purchased a home four blocks from a busy tollway. On a typical evening, the decibel level resulting from tollway traffic is 62 dB at the location of his house. Determine the decibel level of a house 1 block from the tollway (four times closer). Essentially, a decibel reading tells us howContinue reading “SOUND: What is the Sound-Intensity and Perceived Increase in Loudness at 1/4th the Distance?”
SOUND: Calculating the Speed of an Approaching Target
In a previous entry, the velocity of a sound-emitting source ( vs ) and a moving receptor of sound ( vr ) were related to the frequency of the sound emitted by the source ( fs ) and the frequency at which the receptor interpreted the emitted sound ( fr ) as follows: ( frContinue reading “SOUND: Calculating the Speed of an Approaching Target”
SOUND: Intensity, Loudness, and the Decibel System
The intensity ( I ) of a sound is quantitatively different than how sound is perceived by the ear. The perception of sound is referred to as ” loudness “. When a sound’s intensity increases by 10 decibels ( B ), the ear perceives this increase as a ” doubling ” in loudness. Logarithmic mathematicsContinue reading “SOUND: Intensity, Loudness, and the Decibel System”
SOUND: The Doppler Effect
Sound is a quantification of the rate at which pressure waves pass through a “ springy “ gas medium such as air. A complete wave cycle is inclusive of regions of high and low pressure created by a vibrating source of sound. If we consider a circumstance in which a stationary source of sound isContinue reading “SOUND: The Doppler Effect”
SOUND: Intensity As a Function of Distance From a Point Source
The First Law of Thermodynamics states that ” energy cannot be created or destroyed. ” Thus, the Wattage ( W ) in units of Joules per second ( J/s ), whether it be generated by an electric circuit, laser beam, ocean wave, falling skydiver ( drag force times drag velocity in W = Fv ),Continue reading “SOUND: Intensity As a Function of Distance From a Point Source”
SOUND: Beat Phenomena in Acoustics
Two major considerations will help us develop a clear understanding of an acoustic phenomena called ” sound beats “. First, consider that a longitudinal sound wave is a pressure wave moving through a ” springy ” medium. The Bulk Modulus and temperature of the medium influence the velocity of sound waves. Of interest here, however,Continue reading “SOUND: Beat Phenomena in Acoustics”
SOUND: Open and Closed-Pipe Systems, and the Concept of Resonance Frequency
Before examining the physics of standing waves within pipes that are closed at one end, a review of systems within which both ends are open is due. Periodic motion is used to model the behavior of systems that are harmonic or cyclical in nature. Within the midst of turbulent high-tide waves crashing against a shoreline,Continue reading “SOUND: Open and Closed-Pipe Systems, and the Concept of Resonance Frequency”
SOUND: Open-Pipe Systems
A standing pressure wave can be established by sound waves within a pipe with both ends open as well as pipes with one closed end. When a single-standing pressure wave exists within a pipe, the frequency ( f ) of the sound emitted is regarded as being the first or ” fundamental ” sound frequencyContinue reading “SOUND: Open-Pipe Systems”
RENAISSANCE PHYSICS 