Measuring the speed of sound in air

Ma. Erika F. Agcaoili, Theresa Lean Z. Baquiran, Charmine B. Bino, and Paolo P. Borlagdan*
Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics - CAS, UP Los Banos

*Corresponding author: pau.borlagdan@gmail.com

Abstract
This experiment focuses on obtaining an experimental value for the relative speed of sound
using air as a medium. The source (speaker) was set on different distances away from the
receiver (microphone). Phase differences between the sound wave and an input signal were
determined for each given distance. A time-versus-distance plot was generated and the slope
was calculated using regression. The experimental speed is then computed using V=d/t,
which, unfortunately, yielded an absurd percent error compared to the standard speed of
sound (343 m/s).

1. Introduction
Sound basically is a wave that needs a medium in order to travel. It also exhibits constant speed when
traveling through a specific medium. Our concern now is the speed at which sound travels through air, given a
room temperature and a ground-level elevation. Several experiments have already been done with the same goal
as this one, starting since the 17th century up until the official value was amended in 1986.
For this experiment, we will be mainly using an oscilloscope to observe the generated sound wave
relative to an input signal from a function generator. The phase difference between the two wave signals is to be
determined, so as to observe the time it takes sound from the speaker to reach the mounted microphone located
at varying distances away. Speed can then be computed using the set of distances and the corresponding phase
difference that occurred, in which we will be using regression to determine the slope before computing the
desired result.

2. Methodology
***Materials/Apparatus: Oscilloscope, function generator, microphone, speaker, meter stick
The function generator was connected to both the oscilloscope and the speaker, to which it will provide
signals to serve as inputs. Next, we mounted the microphone on an iron stand and connected it to the
oscilloscope where we will be able to observe the sound it will be receiving. This setup utilizes the 2 channels of
the oscilloscope to allow the simultaneous reading of both the signal from the generator and the sound wave
being picked up by the microphone. We then proceeded to operate the whole setup, and had the function
generator set to 500 Hz. The signal readings were observed with the speaker a set distance away from the
microphone; specifically 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 centimeters away. The corresponding phase
differences for each distance was determined. After the data gathering, we use regression on Excel to compute
for the slope of the time-versus-distance plot. Appropriate calculations for the experimental speed of sound
followed.

3. Results and Discussions

For the activity, the experimental speed of sound is determined using the phase difference between the
input and output waveforms, and then performing linear regression to measure the speed of sound. An
oscilloscope was used to observe the signal phases. The resulting phase differences are recorded and the values
are shown in Table 1.
Table 1. The phase difference of the waves at a given distance.
distance (m)

phase difference (s)

0.2

0.0012

0.3

0.0004

0.4

0.002

0.5

0.0036

0.6

0.0042

0.7

0.00412

0.8

0.0036

0.9

0.0048

0.006

Using XY scatter, we generated a time-versus-distance plot using the recorded values. The experimental speed
of sound is then equal to 1/slope. The computed value for the speed of sound using this method is 167 m/s.

Figure 1. The effect of varying the distance of the source of sound to the phase difference of the waves.
In Figure 1, the X-axis is the distance (m) while the Y-axis is the phase difference (s). With the slope being s/m,
we only needed to reciprocate it to get the speed, since the speed of sound can be computed using the equation
V = d / t,

(1)

where V is the speed, d is the length from the speaker to the microphone, and t is the time it takes sound to reach
the microphone. Another way of computing the speed of sound is by using wavelength and frequency. We have
the following expression
V = f,

(2)

where V again is the speed of sound, is the wavelength, and f is the wave frequency. In this case, we can use
two different sources. As we know, two waves that travel in the same direction add up to form a new wave. If
the crest of these two waves rise at the same time and place, the waves are considered in phase and will add up
increasing the amplitude. The consequence of this phenomena in sound is that the sound tends to be louder. This
adding up of in phase waves is what we call constructive interference. Destructive interference on the other hand
occur when the crest and the trough of another wave pass each other on the same time and place. The
consequence is the sound produced is softer.
A common misconception concerning Equation (2) is that the speed of sound can be altered by using a higher or
lower frequency. This simply does not hold true especially if we restrict sound to one medium. Using a different
frequency only causes the wavelength to adjust and therefore maintaining the specific speed sound can achieve
in the medium. Only a change of medium can let you observe a different speed of sound.

4. Conclusion and Recommendation

As mentioned, our group was able to obtain an experimental value of the speed of sound in air, which
turned out to be 167 m/s. Calculating the percent error relative to 343 m/s, our experimental speed has an error
or 51.31%. In conclusion, the observed speed is way too far from the accepted value, and is rather useless for
any future experiments concerning this matter.
The calculations and method are not at fault, but rather we seemingly used inaccurate inputs for our
analysis. The values recorded for the phase differences might be off a bit, and the XY plot is noticeably
problematic. In recommendation, any further experiments similar to this one should capitalize on an accurate
data reading and measurement first so as not to afflict the result/s being sought. Additional methods can also be
applied to further check the validity of results.

5. References
1. Kraftmakher, Y., Experiments and Demonstration in Physics 2nd Ed. World Scientific Publishing. 2015
2. Mastery Experiment: Speed of sound. Retrieved from http://www.occc.edu/ktapp/gophysics/phys1114/
PHYS1114_MasteryLab.pdf
3. Speed of Sound in Air. Retrieved from http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/sound/souspe.html
4. What is Sound? Retrieve from http://www.indiana.edu/~emusic/acoustics/sound.htm
5. Measuring the speed of sound. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/4044/acoustics/
64048/Measuring-the-speed-of-sound