Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 39 - Wave Functions and Uncertainty - Exercises and Problems - Page 1175: 20

Answer

${\bf 85}\;\rm m $

Work Step by Step

When two sound waves of slightly different frequencies are superimposed, they produce a beat frequency, and the distance over which one beat occurs is the length of one wave packet. The beat frequency is given by $$ f_{\rm{beat}} = f_2 - f_1 \tag 1$$ The length $ \Delta x $ of one wave packet is given by $$ \Delta x = \frac{v}{f_{\rm{beat}}} $$ where $ v $ is the speed of sound in air. Plug from (1); $$ \Delta x = \frac{v}{ f_2 - f_1} $$ Plug the known; $$ \Delta x = \frac{340}{ (502 - 498) }=\color{red}{\bf 85}\;\rm m $$ Thus, the length $\Delta x$ of one wave packet is 85 m.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.