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Measuring Sound Speed in Air

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Questions and Answers

What phenomenon allows sound to travel through air?

Electromagnetic waves

Light reflections

Vacuum of air

Vibrations of air particles (correct)

What is the primary flaw in the experimental method of measuring the speed of sound using a starting pistol?

The sound signal is too faint

Time is measured inaccurately due to human reaction time (correct)

Air pressure can affect the sound speed

The distance to the observer is too far

If an observer records a 1.2 s time difference when standing 400 m away, how can the speed of sound be calculated?

Using the formula $v = x \times t$

Using the formula $v = \frac{t}{x}$

Using the formula $v = \frac{x}{t}$ (correct)

Using the formula $v = x + t$

What is the accepted speed of sound in air?

330 m/s Signup and view all the answers

Why does light reach the observer before sound when a starting pistol is fired?

Light travels faster than sound Signup and view all the answers

What would likely affect the recorded speed of sound in an experiment?

Variability in human reaction times Signup and view all the answers

What measurement is not directly related to calculating the speed of sound?

Weight of the sound source Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible reason for the recorded value of 333 m/s being slightly above the accepted speed of sound?

Flaws in timing methods due to reaction time Signup and view all the answers

When sound is produced, what is the first effect that occurs?

Particles in the air vibrate Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Measuring Sound Speed in Air

Sound travels through air by vibrating air particles, transferring the vibrations to the ear drum.
Light travels much faster than sound.
Sound speed is calculated by dividing the distance sound travels by the time it takes to travel that distance.
The formula for calculating sound speed is: speed = distance / time.
Units:
- Speed (v): meters per second (m/s)
- Distance (x): meters (m)
- Time (t): seconds (s)
Example Calculation:
- Distance (x): 400 meters
- Time difference (t): 1.2 seconds
- Speed (v): 400 m / 1.2 s = 333.3 m/s.
Accepted speed of sound in air: 330 m/s
Limitations of the method:
- Observer reaction time variation can lead to inaccurate results.
- Differences in how observers use stopwatches can affect precision.

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Description

Explore the principles of sound speed measurement in air. This quiz covers the calculation formula, the speed of sound, and factors affecting accuracy. Test your understanding with practical examples and limitations.