Calculating Sound Travel Time at 20°C

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the time required for sound to travel a distance of 1.90 meters at an air temperature of 20°C. The subject area is related to acoustics and the properties of sound in air.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to identify relevant equations but expresses uncertainty about how to proceed with the problem. Some participants suggest using the speed of sound in air, either through experimental values or theoretical approximations. Questions are raised about the relationship between speed, distance, and time.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and clarifying the necessary equations. Some guidance has been provided regarding the use of the speed of sound, but no consensus has been reached on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the variables in the equation mentioned by the original poster, particularly the use of distance in place of molar mass. Additionally, the participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the resources they can reference.

sheri1987
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Homework Statement



The distance between a loudspeaker and the left ear of a listener is 1.90 m.

(a) Calculate the time required for sound to travel this distance if the air temperature is 20°C.


Homework Equations


I am not sure, I tried looking in my text...but the only equation I could come up with is velocity = sqroot(ykT/m)
where y = specific heat, k is the Boltzmann constant, T is the given temp in K, and m is the distance..


The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea where to even start, because only 2 things are known x in meters and the Temp 20 deg or 293 K. Can anyone help me out?
 
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You need the speed of sound in air. You can either look up the experimental real value or use the ideal gas approximation root(ykT/m) but here m is the molar mass of air not the distance!
You then use speed and distance to get the time.
 
what equation can you solve for time by having speed and distance?
 
sheri1987 said:
what equation can you solve for time by having speed and distance?

Did you really mean to write that!
What is the definition of speed?
 

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