Speed of Sound: What is the Equation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation for the speed of sound, exploring various interpretations and contexts in which it can be understood. Participants engage in clarifying the question's intent and the relationships involved in the equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests the equation for the speed of sound, prompting a discussion about the clarity of the question.
  • Another participant critiques the original question, suggesting that it lacks specificity and could lead to various interpretations based on different physical contexts.
  • A mathematical expression for the speed of sound is provided: \sqrt{\gamma T R}, though its context and derivation are not elaborated upon.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the question's clarity or the specific equation being sought, indicating multiple competing views on how to approach the topic.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on definitions and the need for clarity regarding the quantities involved in the equation for the speed of sound.

isabella
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does anyone know the equation of speed of sound?
 
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isabella said:
does anyone know the equation of speed of sound?
Do you realize that this question is so poorly worded that any correct response you receive must be a result of some fortunate psychological evaluation of what you mean by the question ?

An equation, as you must be aware, relates a bunch of quantities. There may be several equations involving anyone chosen quantity. So, if you want to know about the speed of sound, what do you want to relate it to - the spacing between piles of dust in a particular experiment, the wavelength and frequency of a wave, the tension in a guitar string, the pressure of a gas, some material property rather than a wave property or viceversa ?
 
[tex]\sqrt{\gamma T R}[/tex]
 
Last edited:

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