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Graphical Abstract
Abstract
The most straightforward method to measure the speed of sound compares the speed of sound directly to the speed of light. This lab was developed to avoid the convoluted techniques (e.g., piping and numerous computations) that are abundant in sound measurement exercises but are of little interest to non-STEM students. The disadvantage of direct measurement is the distance needed for the sound to travel to get reasonable measurements. Though a straight piece of road or parking lot would work, long, quiet, safe areas with a clear line of sight are difficult to find in hilly and urban areas. One solution is to take a field trip to an agricultural facility and use a car, an air horn, soccer cones, and cell phones to help students measure the speed of sound.
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Notes on contributors
Gordon H. Miller
Gordon H. Miller is an assistant professor at Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Helen Belefant-Miller
Helen Belefant-Miller is a retired agricultural research scientist in Kannapolis, North Carolina.