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These studies suggest the sound of a train whistle blowing is caused by the escape of a vortex from an open end of a tube, with frequency dependent on flow rate and pressure.
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The sound of a train whistle is a distinctive and recognizable noise that serves both functional and safety purposes. Understanding the causes behind this sound involves examining the mechanisms of sound production and the factors influencing the characteristics of the whistle.
Point Source of Sound: Train whistles are considered point sources of sound, meaning the sound radiates outward from a single point. This is in contrast to engine and track noise, which are considered line sources due to their extended nature along the length of the train.
Frequency and Pressure Relationship: The frequency of the sound produced by a whistle is almost linearly dependent on the rate of fluid flow (air or water) through the whistle. This means that as the pressure of the air applied to the whistle increases, the frequency of the sound also increases.
The sound of a train whistle is primarily caused by the escape of air through the whistle, which acts as a point source of sound. The frequency of the whistle's sound is closely related to the rate of air flow and the pressure applied. This understanding helps in comprehending the distinct and variable nature of train whistle sounds.
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