How to find distance given echo time. (WAVES)

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    Echo Time Waves
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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the distance of a ship from a cliff based on the time it takes for an echo to return after sounding a foghorn. The context is within the subject area of waves and sound propagation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of the echo time and whether it affects the distance calculation. Some question if the problem is straightforward or if it contains a trick element.

Discussion Status

There is a mix of interpretations regarding the problem's requirements. Some participants suggest that the distance remains 220 meters, while others express uncertainty about the setup and whether additional calculations are necessary.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the phrasing of the problem and whether it is complete as presented. There is an underlying concern about potential trick questions in the homework context.

misz_sunshine
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Homework Statement


A ship is 220metres from a large cliff when it sounds its foghorn. If the echo time is 0.5s, how far is the ship from the cliff?

Homework Equations



Distance=220m
Echo time= 0.5s


The Attempt at a Solution


220*0.5= 110 m

I really don't know.. Help please
 
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Read the problem statement very carefully.
 
SteamKing said:
Read the problem statement very carefully.


so the distance would still be 220m since it's an echo? No working out to do?
 
This can't be right. It's a trick question.

Is this the entire question, as written, in your book?
 
DaveC426913 said:
This can't be right. It's a trick question.

Is this the entire question, as written, in your book?

Yes this is how it was given.
 
Well, the answer is clearly 220 meters :D. This one made me laugh
 

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