Train Whistle Echo: Calculating Distance & Temperature Effects

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving the calculation of distance based on the time taken for an echo of a train whistle to return, as well as the effects of temperature on the speed of sound in air.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the distance using the speed of sound and the time for the echo. Some participants question how changes in air temperature might affect the speed of sound, while others express confusion about this relationship.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the relationship between temperature and the speed of sound, with some guidance provided regarding the general principle that higher temperatures increase the speed of sound. There is an ongoing inquiry into the counter-intuitive nature of this concept.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the original poster's uncertainty regarding the second part of the problem, specifically how temperature changes might influence the calculations.

Xoloti
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Homework Statement


a)a stationary railroad whistle is sounded. An echo is heard 4.0 seconds later by a train's engineer. If the speed of sound is 343 m/s, how far away is the reflecting surface?
b) If the temperature of the air increased, how would this change your answer?

Homework Equations


d=rt
x=xt/2

The Attempt at a Solution


I got part a right. x=(343*4)/2 =686 because the sound has to travel twice
I do not know part b
 
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Xoloti said:

Homework Statement


a)a stationary railroad whistle is sounded. An echo is heard 4.0 seconds later by a train's engineer. If the speed of sound is 343 m/s, how far away is the reflecting surface?
b) If the temperature of the air increased, how would this change your answer?

Homework Equations


d=rt
x=xt/2

The Attempt at a Solution


I got part a right. x=(343*4)/2 =686 because the sound has to travel twice
I do not know part b
Welcome to the PF.

How does the speed of sound in air change with a change in air temperature? :smile:
 
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF.

How does the speed of sound in air change with a change in air temperature? :smile:
Higher the temperature faster the speed of sound. Thanks!
 
Xoloti said:
Higher the temperature faster the speed of sound. Thanks!
Really? That may be true, but it's counter-intuitive for me. Do you have a link to a reference that says that? :smile:
 

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