Newton estimated the speed of sound _____________________?
Correct answer: A. 281m/sec
- A. 281m/sec
- B. 333m/sec
- C. 340m/sec
- D. all of the above
Explanation
Newton used an isothermal model for sound propagation in air and obtained an estimate of about 281 m s-1. This is lower than the measured value near 340 m s-1 because the actual compressions and rarefactions are approximately adiabatic. The likely mistake is choosing 340 m s-1, which is the experimentally accepted value rather than Newton's estimate.
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About Speed of Sound
The speed of sound depends on the properties of the medium, including its elasticity and density, and in gases it varies mainly with temperature. Questions connect speed with frequency and wavelength, compare sound in solids, liquids and gases, and distinguish the speed of propagation from the oscillating particles' motion.
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