Edexcel IGCSE Physics 3 25p Speed of Sound Practical Questions

Plan a sound-speed experiment around a measured distance, suitable timing equipment, repeated readings and checks for reaction-time error.

Exam points

Plan a speed-of-sound investigation using a known distance, suitable equipment and repeated measurements.
Calculate sound speed as distance ÷ time, including the round-trip distance in echo methods.
Calculate sound speed from frequency × wavelength when using a wavelength-based method.
Calculate the mean travel time from repeated readings and round it to suitable precision.
Identify anomalous travel-time readings, then repeat or discard them before calculating the mean.
Evaluate accuracy using reaction time, longer distances, suitable instruments and controlled air temperature.
Choose a line graph for continuous data and describe how sound speed changes with air temperature.

[Maximum number: 5]

This question is about sound waves.

Describe an experiment to measure the speed of sound in air.

You may draw a diagram to help your answer.

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