How Fast Do Sound Waves Travel in Ocean Water?

[ode19]

1. A stationary research ship uses sonar to send a 1.18 × 103-hertz sound wave down
through the ocean water. The reflected sound wave from the flat ocean bottom 324 meters
below the ship is detected 0.425 second after it was sent from the ship.
a. Calculate the speed of the sound wave in the ocean water.
b. Calculate the speed of the sound wave in the ocean water
c. Determine the period of the sound wave in the ocean water.

2. a. wavelength= velocity*Period
b. v=d/t
c. Period= 1/Frequency
3. w=vT= (distance/time)/(Frequency)= d/(tf) and i got .6461 meters
b. i assumed its just distance/time and got 762.353 m/s
c. i used the equation Period= 1/Frequency and i got .000847

 

[Delphi51]

Welcome to PF, ode19.
The velocity is found from timing the leading edge of the pulse down and back up. Use v = d/t with a distance to 2x324 meters because it has to go down and back up.
Avoid using any formula with frequency, period or wavelength in it for this kind of question - it does not matter what those are in a question like (b) where you are only concerned with the motion of the pulse or beginning of a train of waves.

 

[ode19]

Thank you very much.
I now understand the question. I appreciate it.

 

[Delphi51]

Most welcome.