Calculate the Distance of lightning

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the distance of lightning based on the time interval between seeing a flash and hearing thunder. The formula provided is D = t/N, where D represents distance in miles and t is the time in seconds. The speed of sound in air is established at 343 m/s, leading to the conclusion that N must be converted to a compatible unit to yield distance in miles. Specifically, N should be expressed in feet per second to facilitate accurate calculations.

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  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly sound speed.
  • Familiarity with unit conversions, specifically from meters to feet and feet to miles.
  • Knowledge of algebraic manipulation of formulas.
  • Basic understanding of the relationship between time, distance, and speed.
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  • Research unit conversion techniques, focusing on meters to feet and feet to miles.
  • Learn about the speed of sound in various mediums and its implications in real-world scenarios.
  • Explore practical applications of the formula D = t/N in different contexts, such as meteorology.
  • Investigate the physics of sound waves and their propagation in different environments.
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Students in physics, educators teaching sound propagation, and anyone interested in meteorological phenomena related to lightning and thunder.

Crookedsky
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Hello all,
Determine a number N so that if the number of seconds (t) between flash and thunder is divided by N, the result is the distance (d) in miles. Be sure to specify the units of N. The speed of sound in air is 343 m/s. Assume the travel time of light is negligible. D = t/N

So would i convert 343 m/s to feet and then convert feet to miles? I am confused...
 
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think about it in terms of units

D is in miles, t is in seconds and N is in terms of...?

if you want miles = \frac{seconds}{N}, what should N be in units?
 

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