Finding Distance from a Crash with Asymmetric Hearing

In summary, the swimmer heard a crash first in the water where the velocity of the wave was 1500m/s. Two seconds later, she heard the wave again through her ear above water. Using the speed of sound in air at 20 degrees, the distance from the crash can be calculated by setting the time it took for the sound to arrive in water equal to the time it took in air plus 2 seconds. Solving this equation will give the distance from the crash.
  • #1
PiRsq
112
0
Sound Problem...

A swimmer with one ear underwater and one ear above water in air, hears a crash. She hears the crash in the water first where the Veloctiy of the wave in water was 1500m/s. The air temperature is 20°C and she hears the wave again after 2.0 seconds but this time she hears it through the ear that's above the water. Find the distance from the crash...


What I tried was this:

-Vair=332 + 0.59 (20°) = 343.8m/s

-Since she hears the sound in air 2 seconds after it must've traveled at least 343.8*2 = 687.6 m

So is the distance is 687.6 m?


Thx for help...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Try again.

Let t = time it took for the sound to arrive in water.

Now, in terms of t, how long did it take in air?

See if you can do anything with that...
 
  • #3
Im sorry I don't understand...If i find the ratio of the time it took for water than air, how will that help me?
 
  • #4
Ok, you know the speed of sound in air at 20 degrees, right?

let x be the distance...
x/1500 = t1 (time taken in water)

x/speed of sound in air (20C) = t2

t2 = t1 + 2 (since it is two seconds later)

x/speed of sound in air(20 C) = x/1500 + 2

Now, solve.
 
  • #5
k thanks ill try that
 

1. How does asymmetric hearing affect the accuracy of distance measurements in a crash?

Asymmetric hearing can significantly impact the accuracy of distance measurements in a crash. This is because the brain relies on input from both ears to accurately determine the direction of sound and therefore the distance of an object. With asymmetric hearing, the sound may be perceived as coming from a different direction, leading to incorrect distance estimates.

2. Can hearing aids help improve distance perception in individuals with asymmetric hearing?

Hearing aids can potentially improve distance perception in individuals with asymmetric hearing. By amplifying sound in the affected ear, they can help to balance out the perceived direction of sound and improve accuracy in distance measurements. However, this may not be the case for all individuals and will depend on the severity of their hearing loss.

3. Is it possible to accurately determine the distance of a crash with asymmetric hearing?

While it may be more challenging, it is still possible to accurately determine the distance of a crash with asymmetric hearing. This can be achieved through various methods, such as using visual cues and triangulation. Additionally, technology such as laser rangefinders and GPS can also assist in determining distance.

4. Are there any specific factors that can affect distance perception in individuals with asymmetric hearing?

There are several factors that can affect distance perception in individuals with asymmetric hearing. These include the severity of the hearing loss, the direction and intensity of the sound, and the individual's ability to process and interpret sound. Environmental factors, such as background noise and visual distractions, can also impact distance perception.

5. How can the accuracy of distance measurements in a crash be improved for individuals with asymmetric hearing?

To improve the accuracy of distance measurements in a crash for individuals with asymmetric hearing, it is essential to address the underlying hearing loss. This can be achieved through the use of hearing aids or other assistive devices. Additionally, incorporating visual cues and using technology can also aid in improving distance perception and accuracy.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
21
Views
990
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • General Discussion
Replies
1
Views
8K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
7
Views
2K
Back
Top