How Does Temperature Affect the Speed of Sound in Air?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding how temperature affects the speed of sound in air, specifically in the context of a problem involving a sound wave with a given frequency and wavelength. Participants are exploring the relationship between these variables and the relevant equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to determine the temperature of air based on the speed of sound, frequency, and wavelength. Questions arise regarding the assumptions made about the speed of sound and its dependence on temperature.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the relationship between temperature and the speed of sound, suggesting that the speed is not a constant value and can vary with temperature. There is an ongoing exploration of the relevant formula that connects these concepts.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a specific formula relating the speed of sound to temperature, indicating that participants are considering how to apply this in their calculations. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the approach to the problem.

Drey0287
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A sound wave has a frequency of 700 Hz in air and a wavelength of .50m. What is the temperature of the air?

speed of sound in air = 345 m/s.

I don't even get how to go about this problem...i don't know the equation
 
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I believe the mistake you made was to assume that the spped of sound in air is 345 m/s. You can tell just based on the information you are given in the question. If the frequency is 700 Hz and the wavelength is 0.5 m, then what MUST the speed of sound be?

There is actually a formula that relates speed of sound in air with temperature. Find that and you shall find the answer you desire.
 
Yupp, remember when the air molecules are heated up, it moves faster.
 
[tex]v\approx 331\mbox{m/s}+0.6\mbox{T}[/tex]

where [itex]v[/itex] is the speed of sound in air, and [itex]\mbox{T}[/itex] is the temperature in degrees Celsius.
 

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