Determining the speed of sound in air

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the speed of sound in air by measuring the time shift between a microphone and a speaker at varying frequencies. The user collected data on frequency (in kHz) and corresponding time shifts (in microseconds) for a fixed distance of 0.03 meters. The proposed equation for analysis is t = a*f + b, where t represents time shift and f denotes frequency. The user seeks assistance in interpreting the results and understanding the physical process behind the observed time shifts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts related to sound waves
  • Familiarity with linear regression analysis for data fitting
  • Knowledge of frequency and time shift measurements
  • Experience with laboratory equipment such as microphones and frequency generators
NEXT STEPS
  • Research linear regression techniques for analyzing experimental data
  • Study the relationship between frequency and wavelength in sound waves
  • Explore the physics of sound propagation in different mediums
  • Learn about the principles of time-of-flight measurements in acoustics
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering disciplines, educators teaching sound wave properties, and researchers conducting experiments related to acoustics and sound measurement techniques.

Freefeynman123
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hello!

I have a problem with determining speed of sound basing on a data from laboratory.

1. Homework Statement

I have to determine speed of sound by measuring the shift of time in microphone compared to speaker. The distance between them is constant and I'm changing the frequency in generator, the results are:

Frequency [kHz] Shift [us]
6,42 0
6,91 68
7,41 22
7,88 20
8,4 68
8,88 2
9,425 42
9,9 23

The distance is S = 0,03 [m]

Homework Equations


I think that probably:

t = a*f + b

where t is time shift and f is frequency

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to fit a line to the results, but I cannot interpret the output.

Can someone help me? I would be very pleased.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What does the experiment mean by "shift in time"?
i.e. what is the physical process that gives rise to the time shift you observe?
 

Similar threads

Understanding MIT's applet on sound with Fourier coefficients
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Measuring the Speed of Sound: Examining the Frequency of Clicks
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
I Need to Calculate the Speed of Sound for a Lab
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
What is the speed of sound and time period of oscillating particles?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Frequency of Reflected Underwater Sound Wave
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Speed of Sound using a Resonant tube
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
What is the speed of sound in air at atmospherical conditions?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Speed of Sound in Air & Resonance in a Pipe
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Sound Wave Interference and Finding the Path Differences with Diagrams
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
5K
What Determines the Speed of Sound in an Organ Pipe?
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K