Practice question
Question
A longitudinal wave in a medium has a speed of 1450 m/s and a density of 1100 kg/m³. What is the bulk
modulus of the medium?
Explanation
**Superposition principle** states resultant displacement equals algebraic sum of individual waves, y = y₁ + y₂. For coherent waves with phase difference φ, resultant amplitude A = √(a₁² + a₂² + 2a₁a₂ cosφ), equal amplitudes give A = 2a cos(φ/2), constructive when φ = 2nπ, destructive when φ = (2n+1)π. Speed: v = √((B/rho)) . 1450 = √((B/1100)) ⇒ 1450² = (B/1100) . B = 1450² × 1100 = 2.31 × 10⁹ Pa . Using v = fλ and standing-wave condition fₙ = n v/(2L) or v/(4L) as applicable, calculation yields 2.31 × 10⁹ Pa, illustrating frequency-length-speed interdependence and quantization by boundaries.
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