
Concept explainers
In Section 16.7, we derived the speed of sound in a gas using the impulse–momentum theorem applied to the cylinder of gas in Figure 16.20. Let us find the speed of sound in a gas using a different approach based on the element of gas in Figure 16.18. Proceed as follows. (a) Draw a force diagram for this element showing the forces exerted on the left and right surfaces due to the pressure of the gas on either side of the element. (b) By applying Newton’s second law to the element, show that
−∂(ΔP)∂xA Δx=ρA Δx∂2s∂t2
(c) By substituting ΔP = −(B ∂s/∂x) (Eq. 16.30), derive the following wave equation for sound:
Bρ∂2s∂x2=∂2s∂t2
(d) To a mathematical physicist, this equation demonstrates the existence of sound waves and determines their speed. As a physics student, you must take another step or two. Substitute into the wave equation the trial solution s(x, t) = smax cos (kx − ωt). Show that this function satisfies the wave equation, provided ω/k=v=√B/ρ.
(a)

The force diagram for this element showing the force exerted on the left and the right surface.
Answer to Problem 60CP
The force diagram for this element showing the force exerted on the left and the right surface is
Explanation of Solution
Force diagram contains all the forces acting on the body. It contains the direction of the each force acting on the body represents at its top and bottom end or left and right sides.
The force diagram for this element showing the force exerted on the left and the right surface is shown below.
Figure (1)
The force diagram of the element of gas in Figure (1) indicates the force exerted on the right and left surfaces due the pressure of the gas on the either side of the gas.
(b)

The expression, −∂(ΔP)∂xAΔx=ρAΔx∂2s∂t2 by applying the Newton’s second law to the element.
Answer to Problem 60CP
The expression −∂(ΔP)∂xAΔx=ρAΔx∂2s∂t2 is proved by applying the Newton’s second law to the element.
Explanation of Solution
Let P(x) represents absolute pressure as a function of x.
The net force to the right on the chunk of air in Figure (1) is,
+P(x)A−P(x+Δx)A
The force due to atmosphere is,
F=−ΔP(x+Δx)A+ΔP(x)A (1)
Here, A is the area of the surface, ΔP(x) is the atmospheric pressure on the surface and Δx is the smallest distance.
Differentiate the equation (1) with respect to x.
∂F∂x=[−ΔP(x+Δx)+ΔP(x)]A=[−∂ΔP∂xx−∂ΔP∂xΔx+∂ΔP∂xx]A=−∂ΔP∂xΔxA
Formula to calculate the mass of the air is,
Δm=ρΔV
Here, ρ is the density of the air, Δm is the mass of the air and ΔV is the volume of the air.
Formula to calculate the acceleration is,
a=∂2s∂t2
Here, s is the distance and t is the time.
From Newton’s second law, formula to calculate the Force is,
∂F∂x=Δma (2)
Substitute ∂2s∂t2 for a, ρΔV for Δm and −∂ΔP∂xΔxA for ∂F∂x in equation (2).
−∂ΔP∂xΔxA=ρΔV∂2s∂t2
Conclusion:
Therefore the expression, −∂(ΔP)∂xAΔx=ρAΔx∂2s∂t2 by applying the Newton’s second law to the element.
(c)

The wave equation for sound is Bρ∂2s∂x2=∂2s∂t2.
Answer to Problem 60CP
The following wave equation for sound is Bρ∂2s∂x2=∂2s∂t2.
Explanation of Solution
The value of the ΔP is B∂s∂x.
From part (b), the given expression is,
−∂(ΔP)∂xAΔx=ρAΔx∂2s∂t2
Substitute B∂s∂x for ΔP.
−∂∂x(B∂s∂x)AΔx=ρAΔx∂2s∂t2Bρ∂2s∂x2=∂2s∂t2
Thus, the wave equation for sound is Bρ∂2s∂x2=∂2s∂t2.
Conclusion:
Therefore, the wave equation for sound is Bρ∂2s∂x2=∂2s∂t2.
(d)

The function s(x,t)=smaxcos(kx−ωt) satisfies the wave equation ωk=v=√Bρ.
Answer to Problem 60CP
The function s(x,t)=smaxcos(kx−ωt) satisfies the wave equation ωk=v=√Bρ.
Explanation of Solution
The given wave equation is,
s(x,t)=smaxcos(kx−ωt) (3)
Apply the trial solution in the above equation.
Double differentiate the equation (1) with respect to x.
∂s∂x=−ksmaxsin(kx−ωt)∂2s∂x2=−k2smaxcos(kx−ωt)
Double differentiate the equation (1) with respect to t.
∂s∂t=+ωsmaxsin(kx−ωt)∂2s∂t2=−ωsmaxcos(kx−ωt)
The wave equation for sound in part (c) is,
Bρ∂2s∂x2=∂2s∂t2 (4)
Substitute −ωsmaxcos(kx−ωt) for ∂2s∂t2 and −k2smaxcos(kx−ωt) for ∂2s∂x2 in equation (2).
Bρ(−k2smaxcos(kx−ωt))=−ω2smaxcos(kx−ωt)Bρk2=ω2ωk=√Bρωk=√Bρ
Thus, the function s(x,t)=smaxcos(kx−ωt) satisfies the wave equation ωk=v=√Bρ.
Conclusion:
Therefore, the function s(x,t)=smaxcos(kx−ωt) satisfies the wave equation ωk=v=√Bρ.
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