Chapter 2, Problem 8P

To determine

To Estimate: The speed of sound.

Explanation of Solution

Given:

Distance, $d=1\text{mile}$

Time, $t=5\text{s}$

Formula Used:

Speed, $v=\frac{d}{t}$

  $1\text{mile}=1610\text{m}$

Calculations:

The speed of sound can be estimated as follows:

  $\begin{array}{c}v=\frac{d}{t}\\ =\frac{\text{1}\text{}\text{mile}}{\text{5s}}\\ \text{=}\frac{\text{1610}\text{m}}{\text{5}\text{s}}\\ =32\text{2}\text{m/s}\end{array}$

Conclusion: 

Thus, the speed of sound is about $32\text{2}\text{m/s}$ .