Measurement of sound velocity

Principle

In this experiment, the students determine the velocity of sound in air. For this purpose, they measure the difference in the propagation time of a sound signal of two spatially offset stereo loudspeakers with the "measure Acoustics" software.

Benefits

• Experiment is part of an experiment set with a total of 22 experiments about generation, propagation and perception of sound, oscillations and waves
• Particularly appropriate as an experiment for first contact with physics in general
• With graphic student worksheets
• With detailed instructor information
• Optimized for tight schedules, i.e. minimum preparation time required

Tasks

We all know that during a thunderstorm, sound propagates with a limited velocity. We see the flash of lightning but the thunder does not follow until several seconds later, depending on the distance. In this experiment, determine the velocity of sound in air with the aid of stereo loudspeakers and a microphone.

Learning objectives

• Velocity of sound
• Propagation time