Sound Physics Example 2

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

medium

A sound wave in air has a wavelength of

0.5 \text{ m}

. What is its frequency? Is this audible? Use

v = 340 \text{ m/s}

1
Frequency: $f = \frac{v}{\lambda} = \frac{340}{0.5} = 680 \text{ Hz}$
2
Human hearing range is approximately $20 \text{ Hz}$ to $20{,}000 \text{ Hz}$ .
3
Since $680 \text{ Hz}$ is within this range, it is audible.

Answer

f = 680 \text{ Hz (audible)}

Sound is a longitudinal mechanical wave that requires a medium. Humans can hear frequencies between about

20 \text{ Hz}

and

20 \text{ kHz}

About Sound

A longitudinal mechanical wave that travels through a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) via alternating compressions and rarefactions of particles.

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