To determine the time it takes for a sound wave to travel around the Earth and return to its starting point, we need to consider the circumference of the Earth and the speed of sound in air. Here's the mathematical approach:
Calculate the circumference of the Earth: The Earth's equatorial circumference is approximately 40,075 kilometers or 24,901 miles.
Determine the speed of sound in air: The speed of sound in air depends on various factors such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric conditions. On average, at sea level and room temperature (around 20 degrees Celsius or 68 degrees Fahrenheit), the speed of sound is approximately 343 meters per second or 1,125 feet per second.
Divide the circumference of the Earth by the speed of sound: Divide the Earth's circumference by the speed of sound to calculate the time it takes for sound to travel around the Earth.
- Using kilometers: 40,075 km / 343 m/s = approximately 116.8 seconds or about 1 minute and 57.8 seconds.
- Using miles: 24,901 miles / 1,125 ft/s = approximately 22.1 seconds.
Please note that these calculations are approximate and assume a uniform speed of sound throughout the entire path. In reality, the speed of sound can vary due to temperature and atmospheric conditions, which may affect the accuracy of the result.