Question

The speed of sound in air is about 331 m/s^-1 at 0 °C and nearly 344 m/s^-1 at 22 °C. Roughly how much extra time will the sound of thunder take to travel a distance of 1720 m, if the air temperature changes from 22 °C to 0 °C? Assume that all other conditions remain unchanged.

Answer 1

Given:

Distance to travel (d) = 1720 m

Speed of sound at 0 °C ($v_1$) = 331 m/s^-1

Speed of sound at 22 °C ($v_2$) = 344 m/s^-1

Formula:

$$t = \frac{d}{v}$$

$$\Delta t = t_1 - t_2$$

Calculation: Time taken at 0 °C:

$$t_1 = \frac{1720}{331}$$

$$t_1 \approx 5.196 \text{ s}$$

Time taken at 22 °C:

$$t_2 = \frac{1720}{344}$$

$$t_2 = 5.0 \text{ s}$$

Extra time taken:

$$\Delta t = 5.196 - 5.0$$

$$\Delta t = 0.196 \text{ s}$$