How Does Sound Refract When Moving from Air to Water?

In summary, the laws of refraction and reflection are the same for sound as for light. The speed of sound is 340 m/s in air and 1510 m/s in water. Using Snell's law of refraction, with the constant of refraction being n=c/v, we can find the angle of refraction for a sound wave traveling in air and approaching a plane water surface at an angle of incidence of 12°. The angle of refraction can be calculated using n1(sinθ1)=n2(sinθ2).
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j.c
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Homework Statement


the laws of refraction and reflection are the same for sound as for light. the speed of sound is 340 m/s in air and 1510 m/s in water. if a sound wave traveling in air approaches a plane water surface at an angle of incidence 12°, what is the angle of refraction?

Homework Equations



n=c/v snells law of refraction: n1(sinθ1)=n2(sinθ2)

The Attempt at a Solution


we attempted to use n=c/v but we weren't sure what the c value should be when the equation is used for sound as opposed to light. a push in the right direction?
 
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  • #2
nevermind we got it! sorry
 

FAQ: How Does Sound Refract When Moving from Air to Water?

1. How does sound defraction occur in a medium?

Sound defraction occurs when sound waves encounter an obstacle or change in medium, causing them to bend around the obstacle or spread out in the new medium.

2. What factors affect the degree of sound defraction in a medium?

The degree of sound defraction in a medium is affected by the wavelength of the sound waves, the size and shape of the obstacle, and the density and composition of the medium.

3. Can sound defraction be observed in everyday situations?

Yes, sound defraction can be observed in everyday situations such as when you can hear someone talking around a corner or when you hear the sound of a siren from a distance.

4. How is sound defraction different from sound reflection?

Sound defraction involves the bending or spreading of sound waves, while sound reflection involves the bouncing of sound waves off a surface at an angle equal to the angle of incidence.

5. What are some real-world applications of sound defraction in a medium?

Sound defraction is used in various fields, such as in the design of concert halls and buildings to improve acoustics, in medical imaging techniques like ultrasound, and in sonar technology for navigation and communication underwater.

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