Two Source Sound Interference - Physics Demonstrations - Two Source Sound Interference | Physics Undergraduate Labs

Prolonged exposure to loud sound can cause hearing damage. Start with low amplitude and gradually increase to a comfortable level. Keep sound pressure below 85 dB for extended demonstrations. Monitor students for discomfort and adjust volume accordingly.

Purpose

Two speakers driven by a single function generator create an interference pattern that students explore by moving through the room. Students experience constructive and destructive interference directly, connecting path length differences to spatial intensity variations.

Agilent 33120A function generator on the lecture hall AV island, with BNC cable connected to the front panel output and RCA audio inputs visible on the AV system below

Figure 1: Agilent 33120A function generator connected to the lecture hall AV system. The signal is split via a BNC T-junction and routed to the room's catwalk speakers through the RCA audio inputs.

Safety Warnings

Warning: Sound Level Warning

Purpose