The Speed of Sound Waves (MS-PS4-1 & 2)

Using the formula for velocity, calculate the speed of sound for iron using the data below. Round to the nearest whole number.
Substance: iron
Distance: 500 m
Time: 0.17 s
Speed of Sound (m/s): _______

• 2941

• 1800

• 3500

• 2200

Using the formula for velocity, calculate the speed of sound for wood using the data below. Round to the nearest whole number.

Substance: wood
Distance: 500 m
Time: 0.26 s
Speed of Sound (m/s): _______

• 1923

• 1350

• 800

• 2500

Using the formula for velocity, calculate the speed of sound for water using the data below. Round to the nearest whole number. Substance: water Distance: 500 m Time: 0.67 s Speed of Sound (m/s): _______

• 746

• 520

• 680

• 900

Using the formula for velocity, calculate the speed of sound for air at 20°C using the data below. Round to the nearest whole number. Substance: air at 20°C Distance: 500 m Time: 3.92 s Speed of Sound (m/s): _______

• 128

• 110

• 150

• 200

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Using the formula for velocity, calculate the speed of sound for glass using the data below. Round to the nearest whole number. Substance: glass Distance: 500 m Time: 0.18 s Speed of Sound (m/s): _______

• 2778

• 1800

• 2500

• 3200

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Sound travels fastest in which of the following: solids, liquids, or gases? Provide an explanation based on your calculations in the chart.

• Solids

• Liquids

• Gases

• Vacuum

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Sound travels faster in one medium compared to the others because:

• the particles are closer together, allowing vibrations to transfer more quickly.

• the temperature is always lower in that medium.

• sound waves do not need a medium to travel in that case.

• the medium is always a gas.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

To slow down the speed of sound in air, you could:

• Decrease the temperature of the air.

• Increase the humidity of the air.

• Increase the pressure of the air.

• Add more oxygen to the air.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

A ship gets stuck passing through a shallow waterway. The lookout begins to blow a whistle from the boat to call for help. Use the information in the image to at the left to answer the question below.

The sound of the lookout’s whistle moves faster through which medium?

• Water

• Air

• Both move at the same speed

• Neither

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Using the information given in the chart and image, calculate the time that it takes for the sound to reach the fish. Enter your answer below.

Assume that the boat is located at ground level.

(a)