Question

Joel and Rashad conducted comparative investigations on the speed of sound in air and water. Joel found sound travels 343 meters per second in air, while Rashad found it travels at 1470 meters per second in water. Why would Joel and Rashad use a comparative investigation rather than an experimental investigation?

A) Comparative investigations are quicker than experimental investigations.
B) Comparative investigations yield more precise results.
C) Comparative investigations allow direct comparison between different materials.
D) Comparative investigations are less expensive than experimental investigations.

Answer 1

Comparative investigations allow for direct comparisons between different materials, explaining why sound travels faster in water than in air due to water's higher density and closer particle arrangement.

Step-by-step explanation:

Joel and Rashad chose to use a comparative investigation rather than an experimental investigation to study the speed of sound in air and water because comparative investigations allow for direct comparisons between different materials. This type of investigation is ideal for understanding how the medium affects the speed of sound: sound travels through solids, liquids, and gases at different speeds because of the varying densities and rigidities of these media. For instance, sound waves travel faster through water than through air because water is denser, meaning its particles are closer together, facilitating the transfer of sound energy. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Comparative investigations allow direct comparison between different materials.