If sound in air with wavelength 1.7 m enters a body of water, what would its wavelength be in water?

To determine the wavelength of sound in water, we need to understand the concept of the speed of sound in different mediums. The speed of sound depends on the properties of the medium, such as its density and elasticity. In general, sound travels faster in more dense and less compressible mediums, like water, compared to less dense and more compressible mediums, like air.

Let's start by finding the speed of sound in air. The speed of sound in air at room temperature is approximately 343 meters per second.

Next, we need to find the speed of sound in water. The speed of sound in water is approximately 1498 meters per second.

Now, we can use the formula to calculate the wavelength of sound in different mediums:

Wavelength = Speed of Sound / Frequency

Since the frequency of the sound wave remains constant when it transitions from air to water, we can assume it to be so in this case.

Let's calculate the wavelength of sound in water:

Wavelength in air = 1.7 meters
Speed of sound in air = 343 meters per second
Speed of sound in water = 1498 meters per second

Wavelength in water = (Speed of sound in water / Speed of sound in air) * Wavelength in air

Wavelength in water = (1498 / 343) * 1.7

Wavelength in water ≈ 7.43 meters

Therefore, the wavelength of sound in water would be approximately 7.43 meters.