Speed of sound in air
This practical lesson covers:
- How to determine the speed of sound in air
Investigating the speed of sound in air Aim: To determine the speed of sound in air. |
Background information: The speed of sound is different in solids, liquids and gases. It also varies with temperature and height above sea level. This practical investigates the speed of sound in air by measuring the time it takes for a sound to travel a set distance. |
Variables:
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What is the purpose of banging the two wooden blocks together?
to measure the speed of light
to measure the speed of sound
to create a sound wave
to measure the wavelength of sound
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What is the unit of measurement for the speed of sound?
m
m/s
s
Hz
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What is the equation that the student should use to calculate the speed of sound?
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Which of the following would improve the accuracy of the student's experiment?
the observer and the source of sound should be moved closer together
the student should measure the time elapsed to 1 decimal place instead of 2
the student should stand further away from the source of sound
the student should start the timer in anticipation of the sound
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A student stands 100 m away from the source of sound. She repeats the experiment 4 times and records the following times: 0.29 s, 0.30 s, 0.27 s and 0.31 s.
By calculating a mean of the student's results, calculate the speed of sound in air. Give your answer to 1 decimal place.
m/s
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