Velocity of sound in Carbon Diox vs. Air

AI Thread Summary
The velocity of sound in carbon dioxide can be calculated using the formula velocity = wavelength * frequency, resulting in 700 ft/s or 213.36 m/s. The speed of sound in carbon dioxide differs from that in air due to its higher density and molecular weight. Additionally, temperature affects the speed of sound, as it influences the kinetic energy of gas molecules. The discussion highlights that while the calculations can be done in different units, the results remain valid. Understanding the differences in molecular behavior between nitrogen and carbon dioxide is crucial for comprehending sound velocity variations.
kriegera
Messages
73
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



An organ pipe is blown with carbon dioxide and produces waves 2 ft long and a note with a frequency if 350 Hz. What is the velocity of sound in carbon dioxide? How do you account for the fact that this is not the same as the velocity in air?


Homework Equations



Wavelenght=velocity/frequency therefore Velocity=wavelength*frequency.

The Attempt at a Solution


Velocity =2ft*350HZ=213.36 m/s

My teacher wants the answer in the same units as the question, but 700 ft/Hz doesn't seem like a true meausrement? Which is why I put 213.36 m/s? I am on track here?

Also, would this velocity be different than that of air b/c carbon dioxide is heavier and denser than air?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes and that is because v = sqrt( krt/m0) where k stands for adiabatic exponent.
 
kriegera said:

Homework Statement



An organ pipe is blown with carbon dioxide and produces waves 2 ft long and a note with a frequency if 350 Hz. What is the velocity of sound in carbon dioxide? How do you account for the fact that this is not the same as the velocity in air?


Homework Equations



Wavelenght=velocity/frequency therefore Velocity=wavelength*frequency.

The Attempt at a Solution


Velocity =2ft*350HZ=213.36 m/s

My teacher wants the answer in the same units as the question, but 700 ft/Hz doesn't seem like a true meausrement? Which is why I put 213.36 m/s? I am on track here?
What's wrong with ft/s?
Also, would this velocity be different than that of air b/c carbon dioxide is heavier and denser than air?
That's one reason. What else does the speed of sound in a gas depend on, and is it or are they different for CO2 compared to air?
 
vela said:
What's wrong with ft/s?

That's one reason. What else does the speed of sound in a gas depend on, and is it or are they different for CO2 compared to air?

How would you convert: 213.36 m/s into ft/s?

Thanks for the tip!
The speed of a gas also depends on its temperature. (Velocity increases with temperature. Temperature also affects density the higher the temp, the lower the density.) Therefore, the velocity of carbon dioxide would differ from air b/c of differences in temperatures based on the kinetic energy of molecules in the air and CO2.
 
[To convert 213.23 m/s to ft/s we would get: (213.36 m/s)( 3.2808399)= 700 ft/s]

Correct?
 
kriegera said:
[To convert 213.23 m/s to ft/s we would get: (213.36 m/s)( 3.2808399)= 700 ft/s]

Correct?

Yes you really didn't need to do that since 2*350 = 700
 
AtticusFinch said:
Yes you really didn't need to do that since 2*350 = 700

So i can leave it in m/s? Where did the 350 come from?
 
kriegera said:
So i can leave it in m/s? Where did the 350 come from?

You should know you calculated it yourself in your first post.

Velocity =2ft*350HZ = 700 ft/s

Hz is defined as s-1 "per second"
 
AtticusFinch said:
You should know you calculated it yourself in your first post.

Velocity =2ft*350HZ = 700 ft/s

Hz is defined as s-1 "per second"

gosh-sometimes you miss the obvious staring at you. thanks!
 
  • #10
kriegera said:
Therefore, the velocity of carbon dioxide would differ from air b/c of differences in temperatures based on the kinetic energy of molecules in the air and CO2.

Assume the carbon dioxide is the same temperature as air, because you're not told otherwise.

Consider that air is mostly N2.

For a given amount of kinetic energy (temperature), how does the velocity of a nitrogen molecule compare to that of a carbon dioxide molecule?
 
Back
Top