To find the shortest infrasound wavelength a blue whale can make in 0°C water, we need to consider the speed of sound in water and the range of frequencies produced by blue whales.
The speed of sound in water at 0°C is approximately 1,498 meters per second. This value may vary slightly depending on the salinity and pressure of the water, but for simplicity, we'll assume the standard value.
Blue whales produce infrasound waves, which have frequencies below the range of human hearing (20 Hz or lower). The typical frequency range for blue whale vocalizations is around 10 to 40 Hz.
To find the shortest wavelength, we can use the formula:
λ = v/f
where λ is the wavelength, v is the speed of sound in water, and f is the frequency.
Considering the highest frequency produced by blue whales (40 Hz) and the speed of sound in water at 0°C (1,498 m/s), we can calculate the shortest wavelength:
λ = 1,498 m/s / 40 Hz
λ ≈ 37.45 meters
Therefore, the shortest infrasound wavelength a blue whale can produce in 0°C water is approximately 37.45 meters.