Oscillations and Waves > Waves > Reflection and Refraction DCS# 3B35.10

FOCUSING BY ACOUSTIC LENS


APPARATUS
function generator/amplifier
202-17-A3
speaker
202-07-F
microphone
202-07-E1
oscilloscope
202
two balloons
202-14-D2
CO2


DESCRIPTION
Velocities of sound in air and CO2 at 0°C are 332 and 258 m/s, respectively.  So CO2 has a refractive index of 1.28 for sound.  A spherical balloon of radius R has a focal length of R/0.56.  An actual balloon is ellipsoidal, so the focal length is somewhat greater.  A source at distance 2f left of the left surface is focused at distance 2f right of the right surface.

Substitute air-filled balloon to show absence of effect.

A helium balloon will act as a diverging lens.
NOTES
Use a source frequency of about 4 kHz so λ << R.