A tuning fork having angular frequency equal 440Hz produces sound waves which travel with the speed of 340 m/s. What is the separation between a compression and the adjacent rarefaction of the sound waves?
Correct answer: B. 0.38 m
- A. 0.57 m
- B. 0.38 m
- C. 0.77 m
- D. 0.87 m
Explanation
Step 1:First, find the wavelength of the sound wave using the formula:wavelength = speed ÷ frequency= 340 ÷ 440= 0.7727 metersStep 2:In a longitudinal wave like sound, the distance between a compression and the next rarefaction is half of the wavelength.So, separation = 0.7727 ÷ 2= 0.38635 meters
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About Waves
Progressive waves transfer energy through oscillations, with wavelength, frequency, amplitude and wave speed related by v = fλ; sound speed depends on the medium. Superposition produces interference and stationary waves in strings and organ pipes, while simple harmonic motion describes the oscillation itself and must be distinguished from wave propagation.
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