Physics

Experimental Demonstration of Interference of Sound

Demonstration of Interference of Sound: The phenomenon of interference between two longitudinal waves in air can be demonstrated by Quincke’s tube shown in Figure.

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Quincke’s tube consists of U shaped glass tubes A and B. The tube SAR has two openings at S and R The other tube B can slide over the tube A. A sound wave from S travels along both the paths SAR and SBR in opposite directions and meet at R.

If the path difference between the two waves (i.e) SAR ≈ SBR is an integral multiple of wavelength, intensity of sound will be maximum due to constructive interference.

SAR ≈ SBR = nλ

The corresponding phase difference Φ between the two waves is even multiples of π.

Φ = m 2π where m = 0, 1, 2, 3 ….

If the tube B is gradually slided over A. a stage is reached when the intensity of sound is zero at R due to destructive interference. Then no sound will be heard at R.

If the path difference between the waves is odd multiples of λ/2 intensity of sound will be minimum.

SAR ≈ SBR = (2m + 1) λ/2

The corresponding phase difference Φ between the two waves is odd multiples of π.

So, Φ = (2m + 1) π where m = 0, 1, 2, 3… …