Final answer:
The ratio of the wavelength of sound in air to seawater is approximately 4:1, determined by the speed of sound in air (343 m/s) and in seawater (1531 m/s), corresponding to option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the ratio of the wavelength of a sound in air to its wavelength in seawater, assuming an air temperature of 20.0°C. To find this ratio, we need to know the speed of sound in both mediums since the wavelength (λ) can be calculated using the equation λ = v/f, where 'v' is the speed of sound and 'f' is the frequency of the sound. The speed of sound in air at 20.0°C is approximately 343 m/s. For seawater, the speed of sound is typically around 1531 m/s. Since the frequency of the sound made by the dolphin is the same in both air and water, we can find the ratio by comparing the speeds of sound directly.
The ratio of the wavelengths is given by (speed of sound in air) / (speed of sound in seawater), which is 343 m/s / 1531 m/s. This simplifies approximately to a ratio of 1:4. Therefore, the correct answer to the question, "Dolphins make sounds in air and water. What is the ratio of the wavelength of a sound in air to its wavelength in seawater? Assume air temperature is 20.0°C," would be 4:1, which corresponds to option c.