In air, the distance traveled by a sound wave is 140 meters during 400 vibrations. If the frequency of the tuning fork is 500 Hz, find the velocity of sound in air.
Here's what I did:
Wavelength= 140/400=0.35
So, velocity= 500*0.35= 175 m/s
Am I right?
clearly not, since you know that sound travels at roughly 373 m/s.
Better double-check your math. Watch your units.
Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't consider that it was 'sound'
I'm working on it. What do I need to find first?
Yes, you are correct! To find the velocity of sound in air, you need to calculate the wavelength first. The formula for wavelength is:
Wavelength = Distance Traveled / Number of Vibrations
Plugging in the given values, we get:
Wavelength = 140 meters / 400 vibrations = 0.35 meters
After finding the wavelength, you can use the formula for velocity:
Velocity = Frequency * Wavelength
Plugging in the given frequency of the tuning fork (500 Hz) and the calculated wavelength (0.35 meters), we get:
Velocity = 500 Hz * 0.35 meters = 175 m/s
Therefore, the velocity of sound in air is indeed 175 m/s. Well done!