A sound wave is incident on a pool of fresh water. The sound enters the water perpendicularly and travels a distance of 0.55 m before striking a 0.10-m-thick copper block lying on the bottom. The sound passes through the block, reflects from the bottom surface of the block, and returns to the top of the water along the same path. How much time elapses between when the sound enters and leaves the water?

To find the time elapsed, we need to consider the speed of sound in water and the thickness of the copper block. We can calculate it using the formula:

Time = Distance / Speed

First, let's determine the speed of sound in water. The speed of sound in a medium depends on its properties, such as temperature and density. At room temperature, the speed of sound in fresh water is around 1482 meters per second.

Using the formula:
Time = Distance / Speed

For the sound wave to travel the distance of 0.55 meters in water:
Time in water = 0.55 m / 1482 m/s

Next, we need to consider the time taken by the sound wave to travel through the copper block. To determine this, we need to know the speed of sound in copper. For copper, the speed of sound is approximately 3810 meters per second.

The distance traveled through the copper block is 0.10 meters (the thickness of the block).

Using the formula:
Time = Distance / Speed

Time in the copper block = 0.10 m / 3810 m/s

Since the sound wave reflects from the bottom surface of the copper block and returns to the top of the water along the same path, the time taken for the return trip in water is the same as the time taken initially.

Therefore, the total time elapsed can be calculated by adding the times in water and copper:

Total Time = Time in water + Time in copper block

Total Time = (0.55 m / 1482 m/s) + (0.10 m / 3810 m/s)

By evaluating this expression, you should find the total time elapsed between when the sound enters and leaves the water.