![]() If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a print format, Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's permission. For air at sea level, the speed of sound is given by The speed of sound is affected by temperature in a given medium. The time between the P- and S-waves is routinely used to determine the distance to their source, the epicenter of the earthquake. The P-wave gets progressively farther ahead of the S-wave as they travel through Earth’s crust. P-waves have speeds of 4 to 7 km/s, and S-waves correspondingly range in speed from 2 to 5 km/s, both being faster in more rigid material. Both components of earthquakes travel slower in less rigid material, such as sediments. For that reason, the speed of longitudinal or pressure waves (P-waves) in earthquakes in granite is significantly higher than the speed of transverse or shear waves (S-waves). The bulk modulus of granite is greater than its shear modulus. Earthquakes have both longitudinal and transverse components, and these travel at different speeds. Table 17.1 Speed of Sound in Various MediaĮarthquakes, essentially sound waves in Earth’s crust, are an interesting example of how the speed of sound depends on the rigidity of the medium. The relationship of the speed of sound, its frequency, and wavelength is the same as for all waves: ![]() Similar arguments hold that a large instrument creates long-wavelength sounds. So a small instrument creates short-wavelength sounds. High pitch means small wavelength, and the size of a musical instrument is directly related to the wavelengths of sound it produces. ![]() Small instruments, such as a piccolo, typically make high-pitch sounds, while large instruments, such as a tuba, typically make low-pitch sounds. The wavelength of sound is not directly sensed, but indirect evidence is found in the correlation of the size of musical instruments with their pitch. You can also directly sense the frequency of a sound. The flash of an explosion is seen well before its sound is heard, implying both that sound travels at a finite speed and that it is much slower than light. You can observe direct evidence of the speed of sound while watching a fireworks display. Sound, like all waves, travels at a certain speed and has the properties of frequency and wavelength. Sound travels more slowly than light does. Figure 17.7 When a firework explodes, the light energy is perceived before the sound energy. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |