2 large speakers, amplifier, wave generator
2 large speakers, amplifier, wave generator
2 large speakers, amplifier, wave generator
 amplifier, wave generator
1 large speakers, amplifier, wave generator

 

Code Number: 3B55.10

Demo Title: Interference of Sound Waves - Rotating Platform, LED

Condition: Good

Principle: Constructive & Destructive Interference of Sound Waves

Area of Study: Oscillations & Acoustics

Equipment: 

2 large speakers, amplifier, wave generator, and LED mounted with Microphone.

Procedure:

Mount the two speakers on a moveable table so that the tweeters are 1 meter apart.  The wave generator should be run at 1000 Hertz or more.  LR 70 works best for this as it is a square room and therefore easy to set up a standing wave pattern.  When the pattern is produced the students should be able to move their heads from side to side and detect the standing wave pattern.

The LED mounted with the microphone is so that you can show where the nodal points are in a room, (The LED will light at the peaks and go out at the nodes).

References:

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  • W. Bolton, "Interference With Sound (1)", Book 2 - Waves and Particles, Physics Experiments and Projects, 1968, p. 59 - 60.
3B55.10 - Interference of Sound Waves, Rotating Platform
3B55.10 - Dr. James Wetzel, PHYS 1611 - Interference of Sound Waves