A 250 Hz tuning fork is struck and the intensity at the source is I1 at a distance of one meter from the source. (a) What is the intensity at a distance of 4.00 m from the source? (b) How far from the tuning fork is the intensity a tenth of the intensity at the source?

a) 0.0625 I_1

b) 3.16 m

Explanation:

Concepts and Principles  

The intensity at a distance r from a point source that emits waves of power P is given as:  

I=P/4π*r^2                         (1)

Given Data

f (frequency of the tuning fork) = 250 Hz

I_1 is the intensity at the source a distance r_1 = I m from the source.  

Required Data

- In part (a), we are asked to determine the intensity I_2 a distance r_2 = 4 in from the source.

- In part (b), we are asked to determine the distance from the tuning fork at which the intensity is a tenth of the intensity at the source.  

solution:

(a)  

According to Equation (1), the intensity a distance r is inversely proportional to the distance from the source squared:

I∝1/r^2

Set the proportionality:  

I_1/I_2=(r_2/r_1)^2                                 (2)

Solve for I_2 :  

I_2=I_1(r_2/r_1)^2  

I_2=0.0625 I_1

(b)  

Solve Equation (2) for r_2:  

r_2=(√I_1/I_2)*r_1

where I_2 = (1/10)*I_1:

r_2=(√I_1/1/10*I_1)*r_1

     =3.16 m

powerful computers now, not then

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