There ’s a simple fashion to appraise the f number of phone . It ’s down in the mouth technical school and unimpressive , but you get to blast an aura horn . How many time can you say that you ’re using one for skill and not sheer obnoxiousness ?
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution . That ’s not the case here , since measuring the amphetamine of sound precisely calculate on some sophisticate equipment . Not only does the measure have to be precise , but other factors , such as temperature and humidness come into fun . For those not concerned in delicate engineering , though , make a general estimate of the speed of sound is a straight process .
chance an area with plenty of flat open distance and no one around to call the law and make a haphazardness complaint . Armed with a buddy , an air car horn ( or anything that will make a trashy noise on cue ) , a spool of string , and a timer or watch , jeopardize out a place and get started . Your friend will hold on to one end of the bobbin of twine and start up blast the French horn , clang the cymbals , slam the drum slowly , or just construct whatever noise you two have agreed on . You will back up slowly , holding the other end of the string and using the timekeeper to measure the time between when you see your friend making the dissonance and when the interference hits you .
At first the sound will seem to reach you at pretty much the same time as the light does . However , as you back far and far aside , a holdup will become apparent . Have your friend keep making the noise until you get a few consistent measuring for the time hold . Note them down in minute , and check off how far along the string you are . By measuring the length of the string – and so the duration of the distance between you – and dividing that by the turn of seconds you measure as a hold , you ’ll get the approximate speed of sound .
This seems like an prosperous explanation , but it also comes with a challenge . The stop number of sound in zephyr is about 343 meters per arcsecond . The speed of sound in sea piddle , where you may also do this experiment , providing you have a big body of water system , waterproof equipment , and are making sure you are n’t deafening giant , is 1500 meters per second . But what is the f number of sound in viscid bears ? In marshmallow ? In chocolate sauce ?
Io9ers , go forth and measure . If we do n’t have a measured value for the focal ratio of sound in a melty ice cream sundae by the end of the week , I will count this entree a loser .
( If you ’re not willing to experiment , at least write in and differentiate me how many of you want a sundae right now . )
MadscienceScience
Daily Newsletter
Get the best tech , scientific discipline , and culture intelligence in your inbox day by day .
News from the future , delivered to your present .
You May Also Like
