Lewis L. Spence
Aim: To determine the distance of a sound source
Since light travels faster than sound we can use this situation to measure the distance of a sound. Whenever there is a thunderstorm (if we are within a reasonable distance) we might be able to see the lightening then afterward we hear the thunder- light travels faster than sound. The same is true for a fireworks display in the distance. If we could measure the time the flash is seem, then measure the time it takes for us to hear the sound, we could use this information to determine how far away the fireworks is. The same is true for the thunderstorm – we could tell how far away the storm is located
Activity:
Fireworks: After the flash we hear the sound 2 seconds later. How far away is it?
Since we know that sound travels at 1100 ft per seconds, therefore the distance the sound travels in 2 seconds is, 2 x 1100 = 2200ft
If a person is standing 6600ft away, how long should it take for him or her to hear the same sound? 66600/1100 = 6 seconds.
Students can be asked to find the solutions for similar problems, varying the time and distance. They could be asked to design an activity that could demonstrate the speed of sound in air.
