Hello,Question.Two people stand beside a long fence. One places

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving sound propagation through different mediums. Participants explore how to calculate the distance between two people based on the time delay between sounds traveling through air and a metal fence.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the distance using the speed of sound in air and metal, arriving at a value of 3475.5 meters, but seeks verification of this result.
  • Another participant outlines a method to express the time taken for sound to travel through both mediums, defining equations for time based on distance and speed.
  • A third participant expresses confusion about the mathematical approach being used, indicating a need for clarification.
  • A later reply reiterates the equations for time in both mediums and sets up the relationship between the two times, inviting others to solve for the distance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the initial calculation, and there is ongoing confusion regarding the mathematical formulation of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on the assumption that the time difference of 0.7 seconds is accurate, but there are unresolved steps in the mathematical reasoning presented.

Who May Find This Useful

Students or individuals interested in understanding sound propagation in different media and those seeking help with physics homework problems involving time, distance, and speed calculations.

Awsom Guy
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Hello,
Question.
Two people stand beside a long fence. One places her ear against the fence while the other person gives the fence a sharp knock. Two sounds separated by 0.7s are heard by the listener. If the speed of sound is 335m/s in the air and 5300m/s in the metal fence, how far apart are the people?

My attempt.
335 * 0.7 = 234.5
5300 * 0.7 = 3710

3710 - 234.5 = 3475.5

They are 3475.5m apart.

is this right, please check
Thanks
 
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The 1st sound reaches in a time T1 where T1=s/5300
The 2nd sound reaches in a time T2 where T2=s/335
s is the distance required.
So T2 - T1 is 0.7s
From this find s.
 


Ummm... How does that work.
Is is like a equation.
Sorry I'm confused.
Thanks
 


The time difference was 0.7 s according to the question.
time is distance / speed
time (T1) for the sound in air is distance / 335
time (T2) for the sound in the metal was distance / 5300
So T1 = s / 335 and T2 = s / 5300
we know T1 - T2 = 0.7
so 0.7 = s/335 - s/5300
It's over to you to find the value of s, the answer to the question.
 

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