Question

a frequency generator sends a 550 hz sound wave through both water and ice. what is the difference in wavelength between the wave produced in ice and the wave produced in water? medium temperature (°c) speed of sound (m/s) ice 0 3200 m/s water 25 1500 m/s steam 100 346 m/s 2.1 m 3.1 m 5.2 m 8.5 m

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate wavelength in ice

Use formula $\lambda=\frac{v}{f}$. For ice, $v = 3200\ m/s$, $f=550\ Hz$. So $\lambda_{ice}=\frac{3200}{550}\approx5.82\ m$.

Step2: Calculate wavelength in water

For water, $v = 1500\ m/s$, $f = 550\ Hz$. So $\lambda_{water}=\frac{1500}{550}\approx2.73\ m$.

Step3: Find the difference

$\Delta\lambda=\lambda_{ice}-\lambda_{water}=5.82 - 2.73\approx3.1\ m$ (There might be a calculation approximation difference in the problem - based on exact formula $\lambda=\frac{v}{f}$, if we use more precise decimal places: $\lambda_{ice}=\frac{3200}{550}=\frac{64}{11}\approx5.818\ m$, $\lambda_{water}=\frac{1500}{550}=\frac{30}{11}\approx2.727\ m$, $\Delta\lambda=\frac{64 - 30}{11}=\frac{34}{11}\approx3.09\approx3.1\ m$)

Answer:

A. 2.1 m