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Re: [Phys-l] frequency and wavelength of sound in air



Hi, Julie,

The "normal" speed of sound in water is about 1.48 mm*MHz (1.48 mm/microsecond; 1480 meters per second), depending on the water temperature, etc. The "normal" speed of sound in air (STP) is about 0.343 mm*MHz (343 meters per second), depending on various things. Of course, there is some frequency dependence (dispersion) on these numbers, and shock waves can be much, much faster.

If you're asking whether the frequency increases when sound enters water from air, the answer is very nearly always "no" (it's a good student exercise to explain why this is). But because the speed is higher in water than in air (usually), the wavelength increases.

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________________________________
From: Julie Quah <juliequah@gmail.com>
To: Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
Sent: Saturday, April 4, 2009 6:56:43 PM
Subject: [Phys-l] frequency and wavelength of sound in air

Just wondering, if the speed of sound in water is higher than that in air,
Which of its, frequency or wavelength, (or both) increases in water?
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