Can You Calculate the Rock's Speed Without Considering Sound Delay?

In summary, to find the speed of the rock thrown horizontally at a large bell 50m away, which is heard to hit the bell 4.5 seconds later, we need to use the equation v = d/t and take into account the speed of sound. The given hint suggests that if t is the time for the sound to return, then (4.5-t) is the time for the stone to reach the bell. Using the formula t = d/v, we can solve for t and then plug it into (4.5-t) to find the speed of the rock.
  • #1
katyross
5
0

Homework Statement


"A rock thrown horizontally at a large bell 50m away is heard to hit the bell 4.5 seconds later. If the speed of sound is 330m/s, what was the speed of the rock? (Disregard the effect of gravity.) [Hint: If it requires a time of t for the sound to return, then it requires (4.5 s-t) for the stone to reach the bell]


Homework Equations



v = d/t

The Attempt at a Solution



Would you completely disregard the speed of sound, and continue using the v= d/t?

v = 50 / 4.5
v = 11.1 m/s
 
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  • #2
No, I would use the speed of sound, and the hint.
 
  • #3
how would you fit that into the forumla to find the speed of the rock?
 
  • #4
katyross said:
how would you fit that into the forumla to find the speed of the rock?

It tells you that if t is the time the sound takes to travel from the bell to your ear, then (4.5-t) is the amount of time the stone takes to travel to the bell.

How can you calculate t, given the speed of sound and the distance travelled?
 
  • #5
v = d/t

t= d/v
(4.5-t) = 50/330

?
 

1. What is the speed of sound?

The speed of sound is the rate at which sound waves travel through a medium. It varies depending on the medium, but in dry air at sea level, the speed of sound is approximately 343 meters per second.

2. Why should we ignore the speed of sound?

The speed of sound is often ignored in certain scientific experiments or calculations because it is a relatively constant value and does not significantly impact the outcome. This allows for simpler calculations and more accurate results.

3. How does ignoring the speed of sound affect our understanding of sound?

Ignoring the speed of sound does not significantly affect our understanding of sound. We still know that it travels through a medium in the form of waves and is affected by factors such as temperature and pressure.

4. Are there any situations where the speed of sound cannot be ignored?

In certain experiments or calculations that involve extreme conditions or require precise measurements, the speed of sound may need to be taken into account. This is especially true in fields such as acoustics and aerodynamics.

5. Can sound travel faster than the speed of sound?

No, sound cannot travel faster than the speed of sound. This is because sound waves are created by particles vibrating and transferring energy to neighboring particles, which can only happen at a certain rate. Therefore, the speed of sound is the maximum speed at which sound can travel through a medium.

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