Laser measurement of the speed of sound in gases: a novel approach to determining heat capacity ratios and gas composition

Authors :: Baum, J. Clayton
Compton, R.N.
Feigerle, Charles S.
Source :: Journal of Chemical Education. Nov, 2008, Vol. 85 Issue 11, 1565-1567
Publication Year :: 2008
Abstract: A microspark is generated by a laser pulse focused on a graphite rod to measure the speed of sound in different gases in a science experiment. The speed of sound can be determined by measuring the time for the photoacoustical pulse to travel through a gas to a microphone detector over a fixed distance.

Subjects :: Gases -- Observations
Lasers -- Usage
Science experiments -- Methods
Heat capacity -- Study and teaching
Sound -- Speed
Sound -- Measurement
Laser
Chemistry
Education
Science and technology

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