An echo is heard in 3 s. What is the distance of the reflecting surface from the source, given that the speed of sound is 342 ms-1?

Solution:

Speed of sound (v) = 342 ms^-1

Echo returns in time (t) = 3 s

Distance travelled by sound = v × t = 342 × 3 = 1026 m

In the given interval of time, sound must travel a distance which is twice the distance between the reflecting surface and the source.

Therefore, the distance of the reflecting surface from the source =1026/2 = 513 m