Question 339556
Speed of Sound in Air
Two seconds after firing a rifle at a target, the shooter hears the impact of the bullet.
 Sound travels at 1100 feet per second and the bullet at 1865 feet per second.
 Determine the distance to the target(to the nearest foot)
:
Let d = the distance to the target
:
Write a time equation, Time = dist/speed
:
bullet time + sound time = 2 seconds
{{{d/1865}}} + {{{d/1100}}} = 2
:
Multiply equation by 2051500 (that's 1865*1100), results
1100d + 1865d = 2(2051500)
:
2965d = 4103000
d = {{{4103000/2965}}}
d = 1383.8 ~ 1384 ft
:
:
Check solution by finding the times:
1384/1865 = .74 sec
1384/1100 = 1.26 sec
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total time: 2 sec