Calculating Distance to a Wall Using Speed of Sound

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the distance to a wall based on the time interval between two gunshots heard by two individuals standing 150 meters apart. The speed of sound is given as 340.298 m/s, and there is confusion regarding the interpretation of the time interval of 2 seconds between the shots.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various interpretations of the time interval and its implications for calculating the distance to the wall. Some attempt to apply the speed of sound in their calculations, while others question the setup and the assumptions made about the sound's travel path.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing with multiple interpretations being explored. Some participants have provided equations based on their reasoning, while others have raised questions about the clarity of the problem statement and its implications on the calculations. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or final answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the ambiguity in the phrase "in an interval of 2 seconds," leading to different interpretations of the timing of the sounds. The role of the midpoint between the two individuals is also a point of contention, with some suggesting it is crucial for understanding the sound's travel path.

  • #31
My work here is done.

;-]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
Ok, Barlock, the concusion is that the answer in the book is incorrect!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K