A bat emits a sound wave with a frequency of 25.0 kHz and a wavelength of 0.0136 metres. Calculate the speed of this sound wave.

In this question you are given frequency and wavelength of the wave and you are asked for the speed. You need to use the formula on you sheet that uses these three properties : v = f x λ, where v is the speed, f is the frequency and λ is the wavelength.

You know from the question that f = 25kHz and λ = 0.0136m, however 1 kHz is actually 1000 Hz and you need to remember this before you do your calculation. Therefore the numbers you need to put into your calculator are f = 25 x 1000 = 25000 and λ = 0.0136.

The calculation that you then need to do is 25000 x 0.0136 = 340. You must not forget the units of speed, which here are metres per second, or m/s. Your final answer is 340 m/s.

LD
Answered by Libby D. Physics tutor

18822 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is a chain reaction?


A van of mass 2150kg with a driving force of 10,000 is accelerating at 3 m/s^2. Find the resultant force acting in the van, and also the frictional force on the van.


A wave with a constant velocity doubles its frequency. What happens to the wavelength?


Trolley A carrying mass 10kg is moving at speed 5m/s, and collides with stationary Trolley B carrying a mass 5kg. Indicating which Law you would apply, what is the speed and direction of Trolley B if Trolley A's resulting movement is 2m/s to the left?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning