Which formula is used to determine the speed of sound?

Prepare for the Sonography Canada Physics Core Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions to strengthen your understanding. Get ready for success!

The correct formula for determining the speed of sound is represented as Speed (m/s) = Frequency (Hz) x Wavelength (m). This relationship is fundamental in wave physics, where the speed of a wave is the product of its frequency and wavelength.

In acoustic waves, the frequency refers to how many cycles of the wave pass a point in one second, while the wavelength refers to the distance between successive peaks (or troughs) of the wave. By multiplying these two values, you obtain the speed of the sound wave in a particular medium.

For instance, if you know the frequency of a sound wave being emitted, and you measure its wavelength, you can directly calculate how fast that sound is traveling through the medium, which is crucial in fields like sonography where understanding sound propagation greatly impacts ultrasound imaging.

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