Calculating the Width of a Valley Using Echo Time Delay

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the width of a valley based on the time delay of echoes from a rifle shot. The context is related to sound propagation and reflection in a physical environment with parallel walls.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relevance of the speed of sound and its application to the time delays provided. There are questions about how to account for the distance traveled by sound and whether to consider the time for the sound to reach both walls.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered hints about drawing diagrams to visualize the problem and suggested isolating the time required for sound to traverse the valley. There is an ongoing exploration of how to apply the speed of sound to the calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential confusion regarding the interpretation of time delays and the need for clarity on how to approach the problem without making simple errors. Participants are also navigating issues related to posting and formatting within the forum.

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Homework Statement



"A rifle is fired in a valley with parallel vertical walls. The echo from one wall is heard 2.0 s after the rifle was fired. The echo from the other wall is heard 2.0 s after the first echo. How wide is the valley?

Homework Equations



I don't know any relevant equations. v=wavelength x frequency? Do I have to convert something into decibels?

The Attempt at a Solution



time=2 s
distance=?
.
 
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No nothing that cpplex--just that the speed of sound is 340meters/sec. Hint: to avoid simple errors, draw a picture of the reflecting sound waves so as to include all the distances.
 
But I don't understand how you apply the speed of sound to the problem. Do you multiply it by 2?.
 
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know leave the speed alone and as i suggested draw a diagram. In this case, try to isolate the time requires for sound to span the valley. Hint its 1/2 the sum...
 
alright pugfug, I told you I unclicked the "Automatically parse links in text" and that's why the link wasnt clickable anymore. And now everytime I post I unclick it so it doesn't come up as a link. Do you understand that? I don't get why I can't post here if the link isn't even clickable, what's the harm?

Thanks Denverdoc I'll try that.
 
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