Speed of Sound & Light: Is it True?

In summary, the speed of sound in air is approximately 343 m/s for both stationary and moving listeners and speakers. Similarly, the speed of light in the ether was believed to be 300,000,000 m/s for both stationary and moving observers and emitters.
  • #1
TheGeneMan
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TL;DR Summary
The measured speed of sound and the measured speed of light.
Are the following statements true?
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If a speaker and a listener are stationary with respect to the air, a listener will measure the speed of sound at about 343 m/s.

Since the speed of a sound wave in air is dependent only on the properties of the air, if a speaker is traveling toward a listener at 100 m/s, the listener will still measure the speed of the sound as 343 m/s.

If a listener is traveling toward a speaker at 100 m/s, the listener will measure the speed of the sound as 343 + 100 = 443 m/s.
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In 1904. After Maxwell and before Einstein would it have reasonable to conclude:

If an emitter of light and an observer of light are stationary with respect to the ether, an observer of light will measure the speed of light at about 300,000,000 m/s.

Since the speed of an emitter of light is dependent only on the properties of the ether, if an emitter of light is traveling toward an observer of light at 100,000,000 m/s, the observer will still measure the speed of the light as 300,000,000 m/s.

If an observer of light is traveling toward a emitter of light at 100,000,000 m/s, the observer of light will measure the speed of the light as 300,000,000 + 100,000,000 = 400,000,000 m/s.
 
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  • #2
Yes, that's pretty much what people thought/assumed.
 

1. What is the speed of sound and light?

The speed of sound in air is approximately 343 meters per second, while the speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.

2. How do we measure the speed of sound and light?

The speed of sound can be measured using a device called a sound level meter, which measures the time it takes for sound waves to travel a certain distance. The speed of light can be measured using specialized equipment such as a laser interferometer or a vacuum tube.

3. Is the speed of sound and light the same in all mediums?

No, the speed of sound and light can vary depending on the medium they are traveling through. For example, sound travels faster in denser mediums such as water, and light travels slower in mediums such as glass or air.

4. Why is the speed of light considered the universal speed limit?

According to Einstein's theory of relativity, the speed of light is the maximum speed at which all matter and information can travel. This is because as an object approaches the speed of light, its mass increases infinitely and it would require an infinite amount of energy to accelerate it further.

5. Can the speed of sound and light be affected by external factors?

Yes, the speed of sound and light can be affected by factors such as temperature, pressure, and humidity. For example, sound travels faster in warmer air and light travels slower in denser mediums. Additionally, the presence of obstacles or disturbances in the medium can also affect the speed of sound and light.

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