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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
Answer
Increasing the distance between P and Q will enhance the accuracy of the timing measurement. A longer distance reduces the effects of reaction time, allowing for a more precise calculation of the speed of sound, since the time delay will be more measurable.
Step 2
Use microphones or sound sensors
Answer
Implementing microphones or sound sensors can make the timing method more precise. Instead of relying on visual cues from P’s clap, using technological means would provide instantaneous measurements of sound travel, eliminating human reaction time errors.