Question

california sea lions communicate underwater at frequencies ranging from 500 to 4,000 hertz. the speed of sound in sea water is approximately 1,500 m/s. what are the approximate wavelengths of sound with which the california sea lions communicate? (1 point) 2,000 to 5,500 meters 0.375 to 3 meters 0.33 to 2.66 meters 750,000 to 6,000,000 meters

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the wave formula

The formula relating speed (\(v\)), frequency (\(f\)), and wavelength (\(\lambda\)) is \(v = f\lambda\), so we can solve for wavelength: \(\lambda=\frac{v}{f}\).

Step2: Calculate the minimum wavelength

Given \(v = 1500\space m/s\) and the maximum frequency \(f_{max}=4000\space Hz\) (since smaller frequency gives larger wavelength, larger frequency gives smaller wavelength).
Substitute into the formula: \(\lambda_{min}=\frac{1500}{4000}= 0.375\space m\).

Step3: Calculate the maximum wavelength

Use the minimum frequency \(f_{min}=500\space Hz\).
Substitute into the formula: \(\lambda_{max}=\frac{1500}{500}=3\space m\).

Answer:

0.375 to 3 meters