Lectures on Physics has been derived from Benjamin Crowell's Light and Matter series of free introductory textbooks on physics. See the editorial for more information.... |
Home Vibration and Waves Resonance Examples Exponential decay in a trumpet | |
Search the VIAS Library | Index | |
Exponential decay in a trumpet
Question: The vibrations of the air column inside a trumpet have a Q of about 10. This means that even after the trumpet player stops blowing, the note will keep sounding for a short time. If the player suddenly stops blowing, how will the sound intensity 20 cycles later compare with the sound intensity while she was still blowing? Solution: The trumpet's Q is 10, so after 10 cycles the energy will have fallen off by a factor of 535. After another 10 cycles we lose another factor of 535, so the sound intensity is reduced by a factor of 535x535=2.9x105.
|
|
Home Vibration and Waves Resonance Examples Exponential decay in a trumpet |