Solve Sound Waves Problem: Calculate Speed of Sound + Wind Velocity

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the speed of sound and wind velocity based on the time intervals observed by two observers, A and B, who are 1 km apart. When A fires a gun, B notes a 3.04-second delay for the sound to reach him, while B's shot results in a 2.96-second delay for A. The key to solving the problem is understanding that the speed of sound is affected by the wind, with the effective speed of sound being u + v in the direction of the wind and u - v against it. Participants emphasize the need to set up two equations to solve for the two unknowns, the speed of sound (u) and the wind speed (v). The discussion clarifies that the distance between the guns and the observers is not simply 1 km, as the term "at" does not imply that distance directly.
EmoHeartz
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Can someone help me with this question, I am stucked

A and B are two observers 1km apart . There is a steady wind blowing . When a gun is fired at A the time interval between the flash and report observed at B is 3.04s. When a gun is fired at B the time interval between the flash and report observed at A is 2.96s.
Calculate the valocity of sound in air and velocity component of wind in direction BA.

do i use the formula f=v/wavelenght or velocity=distance/time?
 
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Think it through. How would the frequency/wavelength relation even be of any help? What speed would you put into it?

The problem is asking for the speed of sound and it gives you information about the travel times and the distance traveled. Which formula do you think would be helpful?

Once you decide that here's a hint:

The speed of sound relative to the ground must take into account that the fact that the sound is traveling through a medium that is itself moving.
 
but it did not give me the distance between the gun and A.
does it mean i use 1km?
 
"The gun is fired at A and the report is observed at B" ... therefore ...?
 
EmoHeartz said:
but it did not give me the distance between the gun and A.
does it mean i use 1km?

No, "at" does not mean "1 km away"! :smile:

Wavelength and frequency relations are useless here because you are not told either of those.

Let u be the speed of sound, v be the speed of the wind. Since wind is moving air and sound moves through the air, the net speed of sound, in the direction the wind is blowing, is u+ v. The net speed of sound, in the opposite direction, is u- v. Does that help?
 
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thanks..i think i understand now .but how do i find the velocity of the wind?
 
You have two unknowns, u and v. You need to come up with two equations that you need to solve simultaneously to figure out u and v together.

A has a gun, and B has a gun. A fires, B listens. Then B fires, A listens.
 

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