A sound wave in water has an intensity of 1.00 × 10⁻³ W/m². The density of water is 1,000 kg/m³ and the speed of sound in water is 1,482 m/s. The pressure amplitude of the sound wave is A) 60.2 N/m². B) 54.4 N/m². C) 49.5 N/m². D) 42.5 N/m². E) 39.5 N/m².

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pressure amplitude ($p$) of a sound wave can be calculated using the formula $p = \sqrt{2I\rho v}$, where $I$ is the intensity of the sound wave, $\rho$ is the density of the medium through which the sound is traveling, and $v$ is the speed of sound in the medium. Substituting the given values ($I = 1.00 \times 10^{-3} \, \text{W/m}^2$, $\rho = 1000 \, \text{kg/m}^3$, $v = 1482 \, \text{m/s}$) into the formula gives $p = \sqrt{2 \times 1.00 \times 10^{-3} \times 1000 \times 1482} = 54.4 \, \text{N/m}^2$.

A Sound Wave in Water Has an Intensity of 1