# Calculate Room Temperature

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1. May 29, 2015

### SelenaT

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Calculate the room temperature by using the speed of sound formula and using the given values.

Known Data:
Frequency = 480 Hz
2nd Resonant length = 54cm or 0.54m

2. Relevant equations
v = 331 + (0.60)T
T = (v - 331)/0.60

v = fλ

(Open-Closed air column)
L = (3/4)λ
3. The attempt at a solution

(1) v = fλ
= 480Hz (0.53m)
= 254.4m/s

(2) T = (254.4m/s) - 331 / 0.60
= -127.6 degrees celcius

I highly doubt the temperature is this low. I realized that I used the wavelength as the resonant length so, I decided to solve for λ using the resonant length. I did the same process again but using the calculated λ but it didnt work either.

2. May 29, 2015

### haruspex

I don't understand how you got 0.53m. You don't seem to have used the $L=(3/4)\lambda$ formula.

3. May 29, 2015

### SelenaT

Sorry, forgot to give a little context. I will remember next time.

This is a follow up question for an experiment that I did. Using an open-closed air column, I found that the second resonant length was 0.53m

4. May 29, 2015

### haruspex

OK, but that's L, not $\lambda$. You plugged that value into your $v=f\lambda$ formula.