(a) If two sound waves, one in air and one in (fresh)

Problem 81

(a) If two sound waves, one in air and one in (fresh) water, are equal in intensity and angular frequency, what is the ratio of the pressure amplitude of the wave in water to that of the wave in air? Assume the water and the air are at 20-C. (See Table 14-1.) (b) If the pressure amplitudes are equal instead, what is the ratio of the intensities of the waves?

                                                              Step By Step Solution

Step 1 of 4

Intensity of sound wave is:

Displacement amplitude:

Density of medium:

Angular velocity:

Wave speed:

We know that the pressure amplitude is:

..............(1)

Substituting equation 1 in equation for intensity:

.....................(2)