Question: A sound wave travels through air with a frequency of 500 Hz and a wavelength of 0.7 meters. Calculate the velocity of the sound wave and determine whether it is traveling through air at room temperature (approximately 20°C). Assume the speed of sound in air at room temperature is 343 m/s.

Answer: To calculate the velocity of the sound wave, we can use the equation:

velocity = frequency × wavelength

Given: Frequency (f) = 500 Hz Wavelength (λ) = 0.7 meters

Plugging in the given values: velocity = 500 Hz × 0.7 m velocity = 350 m/s

So, the velocity of the sound wave is 350 m/s.

To determine whether the sound wave is traveling through air at room temperature, we can compare the calculated velocity with the speed of sound in air at room temperature (343 m/s). Since the calculated velocity (350 m/s) is greater than the speed of sound in air at room temperature, we can conclude that the sound wave is likely traveling through a medium other than air at room temperature, or the temperature of the air is higher than the standard 20°C.

This discrepancy can be the result of various factors such as environmental conditions, varying temperature, or non-ideal behavior of gases. However, based on the assumption that the speed of sound in air at room temperature is 343 m/s, the sound wave appears to be traveling through a medium with a speed exceeding that of air at room temperature.