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A fin whale calls at 30 kHz but at the same intensity of sound as the blue whale in question 4Which call will travel farther? Why?

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The fin whale call will likely travel farther. This is because lower frequency sounds tend to travel farther than higher frequency sounds in water. There are a few reasons for this:

1. Absorption - Higher frequency sounds are absorbed more by the water, diminishing the sound faster over distance. Lower frequencies are absorbed less.

2. Scattering - Higher frequencies are scattered more by particles in the water, diminishing the sound intensity faster. Lower frequencies are scattered less.

3. Wave propagation - Lower frequencies have longer wavelengths, which propagate more efficiently through the water. Higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths and don't propagate as efficiently.

So in this case, since the fin whale call is at a lower frequency of 30 kHz compared to the blue whale call (which is higher but not specified), the fin whale call will likely travel farther, all other factors being equal. The lower frequency of the fin whale call will be absorbed and scattered less and propagate more efficiently through the water, allowing it to travel a greater distance before fading below audibility.

Hope this explanation helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

User Jeff Mitchell
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