1. Calculating Sound Waves!

2. Formulas v f λ = v
s-1 m = 1 v m = s

3. Formulas
Velocity:
Wavelength vs. Frequency:
distance v =
time v f λ =

4. Directions CIRCLE every number and unit then LABEL the variable
Write down the EQUATION you are going to use then list VARIABLES.
Show all WORK.
NO naked numbers.
THREE sig figs.

5. Velocity t d t = 3.5 s v = d/t d = 5187 m v = ? v = 5187 m / 3.5 s v =
A wave takes 3.5 seconds to travel 5187 m. How fast did the wave travel? What medium is it traveling through? t =
3.5 s
v = d/t d =
5187 m
v = ?
v =
5187 m /
3.5 s
v =
1.48E3 m/s
Medium?
water

6. Distance t t = 2 s v = d/t d = vt v = 343 m/s d = ? d = 343 m/s x 2 s
A sound wave in air takes 2 seconds to reach you. How far away are you from the source? t =
2 s
v = d/t
d = vt v =
343 m/s
d = ?
d =
343 m/s x
2 s
d =
686 m

7. Time d v = d/t t = d/v d = 5 mi v = 5960 m/s t = ? t = 8 E3 m /
How long does it take a sound wave to travel through 5 miles of steel?
v = d/t
t = d/v d =
5 mi v =
5960 m/s
t = ?
t =
8 E3 m /
5960 m/s
t =
1.34 s
1mi = 1600 m
5 mi
1600 m x =
8 E3 m 1
1 mi

8. v = f λ f = v/ λ λ = v/f
You should be familiar with this equation from our last unit.
If you need further examples consult your notes and work from the Wave Unit.