Calculating the Height of a Cliff Using the Speed of Sound

In summary, the problem involves finding the height of a sea cliff based on the time it takes for a rock to drop and the speed of sound. The equations used are Ttotal=trock+tsound, distance=Vsound*tsound, ts=340m/s-trock, and x=x+vt+.5at^2. The solution involves using the quadratic equation and the formula trock = SQRT(2d/g).
  • #1
afa
8
0

Homework Statement



A rock is dropped from a sea cliff, and the sound of it striking the ocean is heard 3.7s later. If the speed of sound is 340m.s how high is cliff?

Homework Equations



Ttotal=trock+tsound distance=Vsound*tsound ts=340m/s-trock x=x+vt+.5at^2 quadratic equation

The Attempt at a Solution



did each of these equations to get d=340m/s(3.7- 3.92) its wrong! PLEASE help :(
 
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  • #2
afa said:
Ttotal=trock+tsound distance=Vsound*tsound ts=340m/s-trock x=x+vt+.5at^2 quadratic equation

ts=d/340m/s

initial v is zero (simplify)
trock = SQRT (2d/g)
 
  • #3
I don't understand, what are you doing with the second equation?? can you go through the steps?
 

FAQ: Calculating the Height of a Cliff Using the Speed of Sound

How is free fall with speed of sound different from regular free fall?

Free fall with speed of sound involves an object falling through the air at a constant speed equal to the speed of sound. This is different from regular free fall, which is when an object falls under the force of gravity without any other external forces acting on it.

What determines the speed of sound in free fall?

The speed of sound in free fall is determined by the atmospheric conditions, such as air temperature and density. As air temperature decreases, the speed of sound also decreases, while an increase in air density results in a higher speed of sound.

Can an object reach the speed of sound in free fall?

Yes, an object can reach the speed of sound in free fall if it is falling in a vacuum or in an atmosphere with a low enough density. However, in most cases, the air resistance will prevent an object from reaching this speed.

What happens to the acceleration of an object in free fall with speed of sound?

The acceleration of an object in free fall with speed of sound remains constant at approximately 9.8 m/s^2. This is due to the force of gravity acting on the object, which is not affected by the object's speed.

Is free fall with speed of sound possible on other planets?

Yes, free fall with speed of sound is possible on other planets, as long as they have an atmosphere and the conditions are right for an object to reach the speed of sound. However, the speed of sound may be different on other planets due to variations in atmospheric conditions.

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