Log In Start studying!

Select your language

Suggested languages for you:
Answers without the blur. Sign up and see all textbooks for free! Illustration

Q16CQ

Expert-verified
College Physics (Urone)
Found in: Page 589

Answers without the blur.

Just sign up for free and you're in.

Illustration

Short Answer

Speakers in stereo systems have two color-coded terminals to indicate how to hook up the wires. If the wires are reversed, the speaker moves in a direction opposite that of a properly connected speaker. Explain why it is important to have both speakers connected in the same way.

If the wires are reversed in the speaker with two color-coded terminals, then the sound waves are going to end up producing a destructive interference and this will create noise in the sound. So, it is important to have both speakers connected in the same way.

See the step by step solution

Step by Step Solution

Step 1: Definition of constructive and destructive interference

When two identical waves arrive at the same point exactly in phase then they produce pure constructive interference. Because the disturbances are on the same side, they add and produce wave having twice the amplitude then before.

On the other hand, when two waves arrive at the same point but are totally out of phase then they produce pure destructive interference. Because the disturbances are in opposite direction, the resulting amplitude is zero in this case.

Step 2: Understanding Interferences produced by speakers

If the wires are reversed in two color-coded terminals, then the speakers will move in a direction opposite to that of a properly connected speaker. As a result, the sound waves produced by the speakers will become out of phase with each other and they will produce destructive interference. As a result of destructive interference, the amplitudes of the sound wave will cancel each other and they might not produce the pure original sound. On the other hand if the wires are connected the same way, they will end up producing constructive interference and the sound produced will be clear and loud.

That is why it is important to have both speakers connected the same way so as to produce the desire results.

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

94% of StudySmarter users get better grades.

Sign up for free
94% of StudySmarter users get better grades.