Frequency of Sound in Room-Temperature Air: 1 Meter Wavelength

  • Thread starter zachcumer
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In summary: You can solve for distance by taking the time and dividing by the speed of sound. Try it: .5*1=.25. So the distance is .75 meters.In summary,The shortest wavelength humans can hear is 20Hz to 20kHz.
  • #1
zachcumer
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Hello,
I have to answer this question in my Physics Class. "What frequency of sound produces a wavelength of 1 meter in room-temperature air? "

Could you help me?

Thanks

 
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  • #2
Can you tell us a formula that relates wavelength to its frequency?

Hint: it is an inverse relationship.
 
  • #3
In the book, they say Frequency=1/period...
 
  • #4
hello?
 
  • #5
Indeed, f = 1/T. But that doesn't really help you here since we need wavelength. Theres also a reason why they mentioned the medium to be air at room temperature. This should tell you that the velocity depends on the medium through which the wave propagates. Now that I've told you that wavelength is somehow related to velocity of the wave and its frequency, can you piece it together to get a formula?

It should be somehow be obvious that the higher the frequency, the smaller the wavelength.
 
  • #6
isnt the 1 meter the wavelength? confused?
 
  • #7
Yes. But I find it much easier to reason out a formula which gives us wavelength in terms of velocity and frequency. Then you can solve the equation for frequency (but that's just me). Just a side note, the speed that sound propagates in air is around 345 m/s at room temp.
 
  • #8
so its 345 times f= one meter...how do I find "f"?
 
  • #9
Nice try. But remember that wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency.
 
  • #10
oh its 344 thanks so so so so so so so much!

thanks again
 
  • #11
What is the shortest wavelength you can hear?
 
  • #12
Now that you have your formula relating frequency and wavelength. I'll tell you that the human ear has an audible range of about 20Hz - 20kHz. Its up to you express that as a wavelength.
 
  • #13


So, 345 times 20 equals 6,900 centimeters...!>...!.
 
  • #14
ranger said:
Nice try. But remember that wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency.
confused.
 
  • #16
I know I have to do something similar on this problem too: A bat flying in a cave emits a sound and receives its echo 1 s later. How far away is the cave wall?
 
  • #17
The sound hits the wall in .5 secs and takes another .5 secs to return to the bat for a total time of 1 sec. What are the equations that relate velocity, time, and distance?
 
  • #18
so its 345/2 or half of the speed of sound...
thanks
 
  • #19
Looks good.
 

FAQ: Frequency of Sound in Room-Temperature Air: 1 Meter Wavelength

1. What is the wavelength of sound in room-temperature air at 1 meter?

The wavelength of sound in room-temperature air at 1 meter is 1 meter. This means that one full cycle of a sound wave, from peak to peak, is 1 meter in length.

2. How does the frequency of sound in room-temperature air at 1 meter affect its pitch?

The frequency of sound in room-temperature air at 1 meter is directly related to its pitch. The higher the frequency, the higher the pitch will be. This is because the frequency of a sound wave determines how many cycles occur in a certain amount of time, and our ears interpret this as pitch.

3. Does the frequency of sound in room-temperature air at 1 meter change with temperature?

Yes, the frequency of sound in room-temperature air at 1 meter can change with temperature. This is because temperature affects the speed of sound, and the wavelength of a sound wave is directly related to its speed. So, as temperature changes, the wavelength and frequency of sound can also change.

4. How does the size of a room affect the frequency of sound at 1 meter wavelength?

The size of a room can affect the frequency of sound at 1 meter wavelength in several ways. First, the shape of the room can cause sound to reflect and interfere with itself, creating changes in frequency. Also, the size of the room can affect the resonance of sound, which can also alter its frequency.

5. Is the frequency of sound in room-temperature air at 1 meter the same for all types of sound?

No, the frequency of sound in room-temperature air at 1 meter can vary depending on the type of sound. For example, musical instruments produce different frequencies of sound, and even within the same instrument, different notes will have different frequencies. Also, different types of sound, such as speech or music, will have different frequency ranges.

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