Question on the speed of light.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the distance from an observer to a thunderstorm based on the time delay between seeing a lightning flash and hearing the subsequent thunder, with the assumption that light travels instantaneously.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the speed of sound and air temperature, with one participant attempting calculations based on this relationship. Others express uncertainty about the problem and seek guidance on how to approach it.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided numerical estimates for the distance, while others are still exploring the underlying concepts and seeking clarification. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or solution at this time.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions missing school and feeling exhausted, which may impact their understanding of the problem. There is also an assumption that light travels instantaneously, which is being questioned in the context of sound travel time.

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Homework Statement


An observer sees a lightning flash from a distant thunderstorm and 12 seconds later hears the second. If the temperature of the air is 20 degress celsius, how far from the storm is the observer? (assume that light travels instantaneously.




Homework Equations


None I know of.


The Attempt at a Solution



No clue. I've missed 4 days of school last week due to some sort of rash that was said to be contagious. I am very exhausted and I have no clue what I have to do. Can someone please do the problem and guide me by explaining how they solved it?

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
did some math and got 4083 meters.
 
so it is 4,123?
 

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