What is the speed of sound in air at atmospherical conditions?

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SUMMARY

The speed of sound in air at atmospheric conditions is calculated using the distance and time of an echo. In this discussion, a student standing 86 meters from a cliff claps her hands and hears the echo 0.50 seconds later. The correct calculation involves doubling the distance to account for the sound traveling to the cliff and back, resulting in a speed of sound of 344 m/s, which aligns with the typical value of approximately 340 m/s.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as sound waves and echoes.
  • Familiarity with the formula for speed: V = d/t.
  • Knowledge of atmospheric conditions affecting sound speed.
  • Basic algebra for solving equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of temperature on the speed of sound in air.
  • Learn about the formula V = 331.4 + 0.606T for calculating sound speed at different temperatures.
  • Investigate how altitude affects the speed of sound.
  • Explore practical applications of sound speed calculations in various fields such as acoustics and meteorology.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching sound wave concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of acoustics and sound propagation in air.

Sace Ver
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Homework Statement


A student stands 86m from the foot of a cliff, claps her hands, and hears the echo 0.50s later. Calculate speed of sound in air.

Known
•86m
•0.50s

Homework Equations


V=331.4+0.606T

The Attempt at a Solution


V=d/t
V=86m/0.50s
V=172m/s

Is that the first step to the problem? If so I'm not quite sure what the next step is.
 
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Sace Ver said:

Homework Statement


A student stands 86m from the foot of a cliff, claps her hands, and hears the echo 0.50s later. Calculate speed of sound in air.

Known
•86m
•0.50s

Homework Equations


V=331.4+0.606T

The Attempt at a Solution


V=d/t
V=86m/0.50s
V=172m/s

Is that the first step to the problem? If so I'm not quite sure what the next step is.
What is the total distance the sound has to travel between the moment she claps her hand and the moment she hears the echo?
 
Sace Ver said:

The Attempt at a Solution


V=d/t
V=86m/0.50s
V=172m/s

Your formula is correct, but the value of the distance you used isn't.
 
stockzahn said:
Your formula is correct, but the value of the distance you used isn't.
86m x 2 = 172 bc it is an echo?

V=d/t
V=172m/0.50s
V=344m/s
 
That seems to be correct - about 340 m/s is a typical value for the speed of sound of air at atmospherical conditions. I also think that this is the only step of the calculation (at least according to the statement).
 

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