How can I use the speed of sound to calculate the air temperature?

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To calculate air temperature using the speed of sound, first determine the speed (v) from the given frequency and wavelength, resulting in 347 m/s. The relationship between the speed of sound and temperature is expressed as v = √(γRT/M), where γ is the specific heat ratio, R is the gas constant, and M is the molar mass of air (28.95 g/mol). Rearranging the formula allows for solving temperature (T) as T = Mv²/R. Utilizing these equations will provide the air temperature based on the calculated speed of sound.
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Hey guys, need some help here with a problem. I've gotten half way thru and don't know where to go next. Here's the problem:

The wavelength of a 40,000-Hz ultrasound wave is measured to be 0.868cm. Find the air temperature.

Using v = frequency(wavelength)
40,000-Hz(0.868cm) = v
v = 347 m/s

I'm not sure where to go from here? ...Thanks for any advice!
 
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Sabres151 said:
Hey guys, need some help here with a problem. I've gotten half way thru and don't know where to go next. Here's the problem:

The wavelength of a 40,000-Hz ultrasound wave is measured to be 0.868cm. Find the air temperature.

Using v = frequency(wavelength)
40,000-Hz(0.868cm) = v
v = 347 m/s

I'm not sure where to go from here? ...Thanks for any advice!
You will need to know the relationship between the speed of sound in air and temperature.

v = \sqrt{\gamma RT/M} so

T = Mv^2/R

where M is the molar weight of the gas (28.95 grams/mole for air) and \gamma is Cp/Cv = 7/5 for a diatomic gas such as air.

See this link to the http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/sound/souspe3.html#c2"

AM
 
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