Question

A sound wave with a frequency of 100Hz travels in water with a speed of 1,500 m/s and then travels in air with a speed of 340m/s. Approximately how many time larger is the wavelength in water than in air?

Answer 1

Answer: 4 times

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that,

Fequency of sound wave F = 100Hz

Speed in water Vw = 1,500 m/s

Speed in air Va = 340m/s

Wavelength in water (λw) = ?

Wavelength in air (λa) = ?

Since wavelength is the distance covered by the wave in one complete cycle, apply the formula V = F λ

For wavelength in water

Vw = F x λw

1500m/s = 100Hz x λw

λw = 1500m/s / 100Hz

λw = 150m

For wavelength in air

Va = F x λa

340m/s = 100Hz x λa

λa = 340m/s / 100Hz

λa = 34m

Then, divide λw by λa

= 150m/34m

= 4.41 (To the nearest whole number, it is approximately 4)

Thus, the wavelength in water is 4 times larger than the wavelength in air.