Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
Acoustic scattering by a spherical obstacle: modification to the analytical long-wavelength solution for the
Valerie J Pinfield1, Richard E Challis
1Applied Ultrasonics Laboratory, Electrical Systems and Optics Division, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Tower Building, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom. valerie.pinfield@nottingham.ac.uk
Approximate solutions for acoustic wave scattering by liquid particles differ from full solutions, impacting particle size estimates. Separating real and imaginary parts of a key coefficient improves approximation accuracy for acoustic wave scattering.
Area of Science:
- Acoustics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Classical approximations for acoustic wave scattering by liquid particles in emulsions exhibit discrepancies with full solutions at specific low and high frequency ranges (k(c)a < 0.01 and k(c)a > 0.1).
- These discrepancies can lead to inaccuracies in estimating dispersed particle sizes using compression wave attenuation measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the origin of differences between approximate and full solutions in acoustic wave scattering by liquid particles.
- To propose an improved approximation method for acoustic wave scattering calculations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of classical long wavelength approximate solutions for acoustic wave scattering.
- Examination of the significance of terms within the modulus of the complex zero-order partial wave coefficient, A(0).
Main Results:
- Differences between approximate and full solutions arise from approximations in the modulus of the complex zero-order partial wave coefficient, A(0).
- The study identifies specific low and high frequency regimes where these differences are most pronounced.
Conclusions:
- A more accurate approximation for acoustic wave scattering can be achieved by considering the real and imaginary parts of the complex zero-order partial wave coefficient separately.
- This refined approach is crucial for improving the accuracy of dispersed particle size estimations based on acoustic attenuation.
Related Concept Videos
Echo
Imagine the sound is reflected back to the ears. Assuming that the source is very close to the human, the difference between hearing the two sounds—the emitted sound and the reflected sound—may be more than the minimum time for perceiving distinct sounds. If this is the case, then the...
Deriving the Speed of Sound in a Liquid
The speed of sound in fluids can be derived by considering a mechanical wave propagating...
Gauss's Law: Spherical Symmetry
Interference: Path Lengths
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...
Sound Waves: Interference
RLC Circuit as a Damped Oscillator
Consider a series RLC circuit. Here, the presence of resistance in the circuit leads to energy loss due to joule heating in the resistance. Therefore, the total electromagnetic energy in the circuit is no longer constant and decreases with time. Since the magnitude of charge, current, and potential difference continuously decreases, their oscillations are said to be damped. This is...

