Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

12:21
Stimulated Stokes and Antistokes Raman Scattering in Microspherical Whispering Gallery Mode Resonators
Published on: April 4, 2016
Acoustic quasimodes in two-dimensional dispersed random media
Xin Zhang1, Zhengyou Liu, Fugen Wu
1Department of Physics, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
Summary
This study reveals two acoustic modes in colloidal suspensions with plastic rods. The scattering cross section explains these modes and frequency gaps in random media excitation spectra.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Acoustics
Background:
- Dispersed random media exhibit complex acoustic properties.
- Understanding wave propagation in such materials is crucial for various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dispersion relation of two-dimensional dispersed random media.
- To identify and explain acoustic modes in colloidal suspensions.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the generalized coherent-potential-approximation approach.
- Analyzing the scattering cross section of the media.
Main Results:
- Two distinct acoustic modes were identified in the intermediate-frequency regime.
- The scattering cross section successfully explained the observed acoustic modes.
- Frequency gaps in the excitation spectra were also accounted for.
Conclusions:
- The generalized coherent-potential-approximation is effective for modeling acoustic behavior in dispersed random media.
- The findings provide insights into wave phenomena in complex colloidal suspensions.
Related Concept Videos
Modes of Standing Waves: II
The starting point for expressing the modes of standing waves is understanding the boundary conditions that the waves must follow. The boundary conditions are derived from the physical understanding of how the standing waves are sustained, that is, how the vibrating particles of the medium behave at the boundaries imposed on them.
For a tube open at one end and closed at the other filled with air, the modes are such that there is always an antinode at the open end and a node at the closed end.
For a tube open at one end and closed at the other filled with air, the modes are such that there is always an antinode at the open end and a node at the closed end.
Standing Waves in a Cavity
A household microwave and lasers are examples of standing electromagnetic waves in a cavity. When two conducting metal plates are placed parallel at the nodal planes, it creates a cavity where standing waves are formed. The cavity between the two planes is analogous to a stretched string held at the points x = 0 and x = L. Here, the distance 'L' between the two planes must be an integer multiple of half of the wavelength. The wavelengths that satisfy this condition are given by:
Modes of Standing Waves - I
A close look at earthquakes provides evidence for the conditions appropriate for resonance, standing waves, and constructive and destructive interference. A building may vibrate for several seconds with a driving frequency matching the building's natural frequency of vibration; this produces a resonance that results in one building collapsing while the neighboring buildings do not. Often, buildings of a certain height are devastated, while other taller buildings remain intact. This phenomenon...
Sound Waves: Interference
Sound waves can be modeled either as longitudinal waves, wherein the molecules of the medium oscillate around an equilibrium position, or as pressure waves. When two identical waves from the same source superimpose on each other, the combination of two crests or two troughs results in amplitude reinforcement known as constructive interference. If two identical waves, that are initially in phase, become out of phase because of different path lengths, the combination of crests with troughs...
Interference: Path Lengths
Consider two sources of sound, that may or may not be in phase, emitting waves at a single frequency, and consider the frequencies to be the same.
Two special sources may be considered when they are in phase. This can be easily achieved by feeding the two sources from the same source. An example would be synchronizing the two speakers by feeding them with the same source, such as the sound waves produced by a tuning fork. This setup ensures that the two sources have the same frequency and are...
Two special sources may be considered when they are in phase. This can be easily achieved by feeding the two sources from the same source. An example would be synchronizing the two speakers by feeding them with the same source, such as the sound waves produced by a tuning fork. This setup ensures that the two sources have the same frequency and are...
First Law: Particles in Two-dimensional Equilibrium
Recall that a particle in equilibrium is one for which the external forces are balanced. Static equilibrium involves objects at rest, and dynamic equilibrium involves objects in motion without acceleration; but it is important to remember that these conditions are relative. For instance, an object may be at rest when viewed from one frame of reference, but that same object would appear to be in motion when viewed by someone moving at a constant velocity.
Newton's first law tells us about the...
Newton's first law tells us about the...

