SS: Determining The Speed of Sound In Air


The speed of sound can be calculated with only two measurements:

  • the distance of the sound source from the receiver
  • the time taken for the sound wave to travel that distance

 

$$speed = \frac{distance \,travelled}{time}$$

 

Precautions taken to reduce measurement errors:

  • Exchange the positions of the sound source and the measuring device and repeat the experiment. It will reduce the effect of wind on the speed of sound in air.
  • Repeat the experiment several times and take the average value of the time intervals recorded to calculated the average speed of sound.

 


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