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What is the speed of sound (in m/s ) in helium at the normal boiling temperature of water?

User Chobicus
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Final answer:

The speed of sound in helium at 100°C would be greater than the speed of sound in air at 20.0°C, which is 343 m/s, because helium is lighter and the temperature increase would cause higher particle kinetic energy, thus faster sound speed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speed of sound in gases is indeed temperature-dependent and can be calculated using the ideal gas law and principles of wave mechanics. However, the direct answer concerning the speed of sound in helium at the boiling temperature of water (100°C) is not provided in the reference information you've given. Nonetheless, we can infer that because sound travels faster in lighter gases and helium is lighter than air, the speed of sound in helium would be greater than the speed of sound in air, which is 343 m/s at 20.0°C. As temperature increases, the speed of sound also increases due to the increase in kinetic energy of the gas particles.

User Jason Kealey
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Final answer:

The speed of sound in helium at the normal boiling temperature of water is slightly higher than 343 m/s.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speed of sound in helium at the normal boiling temperature of water can be calculated using the relationship between the speed of sound and temperature. While the specific temperature of the normal boiling point of water is not given, the general relationship holds true. At 0°C, the speed of sound is 331 m/s, whereas at 20.0°C, it is 343 m/s, less than a 4% increase. Therefore, the speed of sound in helium at the normal boiling temperature of water would be slightly higher than 343 m/s.

User SupaMario
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