Important Notice: Our web hosting provider recently started charging us for additional visits, which was unexpected. In response, we're seeking donations. Depending on the situation, we may explore different monetization options for our Community and Expert Contributors. It's crucial to provide more returns for their expertise and offer more Expert Validated Answers or AI Validated Answers. Learn more about our hosting issue here.

Are sound waves spread in all directions like electromagnetic waves?

0
10 Posted

Are sound waves spread in all directions like electromagnetic waves?

0
10

Both sound and EM waves can be emitted in all directions, as from a point source, or they can be focused to a beam, as from a point source with a parabolic reflector, or anything in between these extremes. In practice, it’s harder to make a point source for sound, as ideally you need a spherical shell that can vibrate radially (expanding and contracting). But multiple loudspeakers located close together and aimed in different directions are a good approximation. Directing sound in a beam is not so difficult, and becomes easier as the wavelength decreases. You can use a parabolic reflector (Radio Shack used to sell these as listening devices), or at the simplest, a rigid flat plate that vibrates perpendicular to its plane. A loudspeaker is a small step up in complexity. The larger the plate or reflector is relative to wavelength, the tighter the beam is. So at a high audio frequency a speaker of a given size can be very directional while lower frequencies disperse over a wider angle.

Related Questions

What is your question?

*Sadly, we had to bring back ads too. Hopefully more targeted.

Experts123