Measuring the speed of sound in air and solids
I can describe how to measure the speed of sound in air and in a solid metal rod.
Measuring the speed of sound in air and solids
I can describe how to measure the speed of sound in air and in a solid metal rod.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The speed of sound in air is about 340 m/s.
- The speed of sound in air can be measured using an echo method and using speed = distance/time.
- The speed of sound in a metal rod can be found by measuring the length and the frequency produced when struck.
- A result is accurate if it is close to the true value.
- A result can be considered accurate if it is repeatable, reproducible and if systematic errors have been checked for.
Keywords
Synchronisation - Synchronisation is the process of ensuring two (or more) things happen at the same time.
Period - The period of a wave is the time taken for one oscillation.
Wavelength - The wavelength of a wave is the distance a wave travels during one period.
Accurate - A result is accurate if it is close to the true value.
Systematic error - A systematic error affects all results by the same amount.
Common misconception
If measurements are repeatable (or precise) then they will also be accurate.
Repeatable (or precise) measurements may involve a systematic error making them inaccurate.
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Measuring the speed of sound in air and solids, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Measuring the speed of sound in air and solids, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Measuring waves unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Supervision
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