Chapter 29, Problem 38A

Suppose you are standing downwind from a barking dog on a windy day. The wind blows faster well above the ground than close to the ground. Refraction will change the sound of the dog’s bark. Will the sound of the bark be somewhat louder or some-what diminished? Defend your answer.

To determine

To Explain: Whether the sound of the bark will be louder or not.

Answer to Problem 38A

The sound of the bark will be louder waves because waves bend downwards after heading upward.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction: Angle of reflection is equals to angle of incidence. Also, the law of reflection applies to both, totally reflected waves and partially reflected.

Explanation:  Sound is a form of energy that can be heard and travels in the waves. When a wave (traveling at an angle) changes its speed against crossing any boundary between the two media, it bends. Means that the wave fronts of sound are bent in air of uneven temperature. So, the sound of the bark will be louder because waves heading upward will go faster and bend downward. Also, it combines with waves those are already present down there.

Conclusion: The sound of the bark will be louder waves.