Speed of EM waves in a baseball park setting

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the time it takes for sound and electromagnetic (EM) waves to travel in a baseball park setting. The key parameters include the distance of 17 meters for sound to reach a microphone and 75,000 kilometers for the EM wave to travel via satellite. The velocity of sound is determined using the formula 331 + (0.6 * temperature), where the temperature is 20°C. The conclusion is that the batsman hears the crack of the bat first, followed by the sound reaching the outfield bleachers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sound wave propagation and speed calculations
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic wave speed (c = 3 x 108 m/s)
  • Basic knowledge of temperature effects on sound speed
  • Ability to manipulate and solve equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about sound speed calculations in different mediums
  • Research the effects of temperature on sound velocity
  • Study the principles of electromagnetic wave propagation
  • Explore practical applications of sound and EM wave timing in sports
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Students in physics, educators teaching wave mechanics, and anyone interested in the practical applications of sound and electromagnetic wave theory in real-world scenarios.

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Homework Statement


You and a friend are sitting in the outfield bleachers of a baseball park 140m from homeplate. The temperature is 20*C. YOur friend is listening to radio comentary with headphones while watching. There is a microphone located 17m from home plate to pick up the sound as the bat hits the ball. The sound travels as an EM wave a distance of 75000 KM by satilite from the ball park to the radio.

Homework Equations


When the batter hits the ball who will hear the "crack" of the bat first ? What is the shortest time interval between the bat hitting the ball and one of you hearing it ? How much later does the other person hear the sound?


The Attempt at a Solution



I am not sure where to start this problem. I know t can be found using d/c. However I do not know how to factor in the distance for the microphone and the satilites.

Should I be using c= 3x10^8 m/s?

any help would be fantastic

Thank you
 
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The batsman hears first!
The formula:
Velocity of sound in air = 331+(0.6)*temperature
I hope you can find a way to manipulate this (change 331 into 3*10^8 and 0.6 into..i don know.)
 
You must find out how long it takes the SOUND to travel 17m (make sure to correct for the temperature), and then add that to the time it takes for the LIGHT to travel 75,000km. Compare that to the time it takes the sound to travel 140m to the outfield bleachers.
 
Thank You Thank You :) your the best
 
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https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=414380
 

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