Derivation of the speed of sound waves equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the derivation of the speed of sound waves through a medium, specifically exploring the mathematical relationships involved in the derivation process, including the concepts of impulse, pressure, and volume changes in gases.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant initiates the derivation using the impulse-momentum relationship and connects it to pressure changes in a gas, referencing the bulk modulus.
  • The same participant expresses confusion regarding the cancellation of time (Δt) in the derivation, questioning whether the time for gas particles to move is equivalent to the time for sound to travel through the medium.
  • Another participant inquires if the derivation pertains to Newton's formula for the speed of sound in gases.
  • A later reply indicates that the initial confusion has been resolved, confirming the derivation is indeed related to Newton's formula.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the specific mechanics of the derivation, as one participant expresses confusion while another confirms understanding. The discussion reflects both uncertainty and clarification without resolving all questions raised.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the relationships between pressure, volume, and time in the context of sound propagation, which may not be fully articulated or agreed upon by all participants.

FerPhys
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I'm learning about the speed of sound waves through a medium. The derivation is initiated through Impulse=change in linear momentum (I=Δp), then I=ΣFΔt=(Area×Δpressure×Δt) in the x direction
The derivation proceeds by replacing the Δpressure with another equation we had derived earlier
ΔP=-B(ΔV/Vi) where B is the bulk modulus. The initial volume (Vi) is vAΔt where v is the velocity of sound multiplied by the time it takes to reach the end of the container (gives you a length which you can multiply to get Area to get the volume of the gas without anything force acting on it).
This is where I get a bit confused. My textbook says ΔV= (-vxAΔt) where vx = the speed of the elements in the medium or in this case a gas. When you plug everything back in into -B(ΔV/Vi) you get ΔP=B(vx / v) . My question now is, why did the Δt cancel out? Wouldn't that be like saying that the time it took for those gas particles to move through the entire container was the same as the time it took for sound to move through the entire container? Also, if that were the case wouldn't they be going at the same speed and therefore the vx/v should also cancel?

This my first post on this website so if I can do anything to make my posts more clear please let me know!
Thank you!
 
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Are you deriving the Newton's formula for speed of sound in say air/gas?
 
Can you show an image of the page where they do this?
 
This may come off as completely rude but I understand the derivation now.. sorry :(
yes its for Newtons formula for speed in sound..
 

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