Speed of sound in an ideal gas

In summary, the problem is to determine the speed of sound in argon gas at 30 degrees celcius, assuming adiabatic and ideal gas conditions. The adiabatic constraint and ideal gas equation are used to calculate the speed of a sound wave, which is then plugged into the equation for speed of sound to obtain the final result. However, the answer key provides a different value and after checking, it is found that the mistake was using the wrong value for γ, which should be 5/3 for a mono-atomic gas.
  • #1
espen180
834
2

Homework Statement



Determine the speed of sound in argon gas at 30 degrees celcius. Argon is a monoatomic gas with atomic mass 40. Assume adiabatic and ideal gas conditions. The mass of a nucleuon is 1.67*10-27 kg=mp.

Homework Equations



Adiabatic constraint: pVγ=constant.

Ideal gas equation: pV=nRT=NkT

Speed of a sound wave: [itex]v=\sqrt{B/\rho}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



From the adiabatic constraint: [itex]\text{d}p V^{\gamma} + \gamma p V^{\gamma-1} \text{d}V=0[/itex]

[itex]B=-V\frac{\text{d}p}{\text{d}V}=\gamma p[/itex]

Insert into ideal gas equation, using [itex]\rho=\frac{Nm}{V}[/itex] :

[itex]B=\frac{\gamma \rho k T}{m}[/itex]

Finally: [itex]v=\sqrt{\frac{B}{\rho}}=\sqrt{\frac{\gamma k T}{m}}[/itex]

Insert values: m=40*mp=6,68*10-26 kg, k=1.38*10-23 J/K, T=303.15 K, γ=3/5=0.6

This produces the result v=194 m/s.

However, the answer key says the correct value is 323 m/s

I have searched my solution attempt multiple times, unable to find my error. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
espen180 said:
Insert values: m=40*mp=6,68*10-26 kg, k=1.38*10-23 J/K, T=303.15 K, γ=3/5=0.6

γ=Cp/Cv=5/3 for a mono-atomic gas.


ehild
 
  • #3
Thank you. What an embarrasing mistake. :redface:
 

What is the speed of sound in an ideal gas?

The speed of sound in an ideal gas is dependent on several factors, including temperature, pressure, and the molecular weight of the gas. At standard temperature and pressure (STP), the speed of sound in dry air is approximately 343 meters per second.

How does the speed of sound in an ideal gas vary with temperature?

The speed of sound in an ideal gas is directly proportional to the square root of the absolute temperature. This means that as temperature increases, the speed of sound also increases.

What is the relationship between the speed of sound and gas density?

The speed of sound in an ideal gas is inversely proportional to the square root of the gas density. This means that as density decreases, the speed of sound increases.

Why does the speed of sound change with pressure?

The speed of sound in an ideal gas is directly proportional to the square root of the pressure. This means that as pressure increases, the speed of sound also increases.

How does the molecular weight of a gas affect the speed of sound?

The speed of sound in an ideal gas is inversely proportional to the square root of the molecular weight. This means that as the molecular weight increases, the speed of sound decreases.

Similar threads

  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
743
Replies
2
Views
568
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
721
Replies
1
Views
638
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
120
Back
Top