The diagram in Figure 4 shows two students, P and Q, trying to measure the speed of sound in air - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 4
The diagram in Figure 4 shows two students, P and Q, trying to measure the speed of sound in air.
P will clap his hands together.
When Q sees P clap his hands, she... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram in Figure 4 shows two students, P and Q, trying to measure the speed of sound in air - Edexcel - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Make the distance between students larger
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Answer
By increasing the distance between P and Q, the time taken for sound to travel will be longer. This provides a more measurable time, as it reduces the impact of reaction time on the overall measurement of the speed of sound.
Step 2
Use alternative methods
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Answer
Instead of relying solely on human reaction times, the students could utilize microphones or sound sensors paired with a data logger. This method would allow for more accurate timing as it eliminates the variability of human reaction times.
