Question

If the speed of sound in air at 0°C is 331 m/s, the speed of sound in air at 35°C is:

• A. 331.0 m/s
• B. 340.2 m/s
• C. 351.6 m/s
• D. 362.5 m/s

Hint:

The speed of sound increases by approximately 0.6 m/s for every 1°C increase in temperature.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The speed of sound in air is affected by temperature. At 0°C, the speed is 331 m/s. The relationship between the speed of sound in air and temperature can be expressed by the formula:

v = v₀ + 0.6 × T

where:

• v is the speed of sound at temperature T (in °C),
• v₀ is the speed of sound at 0°C,
• T is the temperature in degrees Celsius.

Given that v₀ = 331 m/s and T = 35°C, substitute the values into the formula:

v = 331 + 0.6 × 35

Calculate the result:

• 0.6 × 35 = 21

Add this to the initial speed at 0°C:

v = 331 + 21 = 352 m/s

Therefore, the speed of sound in air at 35°C is approximately 351.6 m/s.

Answer 2

The speed of sound in air increases with temperature. The approximate formula for the speed of sound at temperature \( T \) in Celsius is: \[ v = v_0 \left( 1 + \frac{T}{273} \right) \] Where: - \( v_0 \) is the speed of sound at 0°C (331 m/s), - \( T \) is the temperature in Celsius. Using this formula for \( T = 35 \): \[ v = 331 \times \left( 1 + \frac{35}{273} \right) \approx 351.6 \, \text{m/s} \]