mMCQ.

Navigation Menu

Step into mMCQ.

Launch mMCQ. diagnostic

Explore mMCQ.

MDCAT prepFree DiagnosticPricing & SubscribeSign in

Resources

Terms & Conditions

mMCQ.

© 2021 - 2025 mMCQ.All rights reserved.

WhatsApp
O Levels Physics (5054)•5054/11/O/N/18
Question 21 from 5054/11/O/N/18

Explanation

Ratio of light to sound speed via known values

Steps:

  • Speed of light in vacuum is 3×1083 \times 10^83×108 m/s.
  • Speed of sound in air is approximately 3.4×1023.4 \times 10^23.4×102 m/s.
  • Divide: 3×1083.4×102≈0.88×106≈106\frac{3 \times 10^8}{3.4 \times 10^2} \approx 0.88 \times 10^6 \approx 10^63.4×1023×108​≈0.88×106≈106.
  • Thus, the ratio approximates to 10610^6106.

Why C is correct:

  • The calculation directly yields ≈106\approx 10^6≈106, matching the order of magnitude for the ratio using standard physical constants.

Why the others are wrong:

  • A (10410^4104): Underestimates by factor of 100, ignoring the full magnitude of light's speed.
  • B (10510^5105): Underestimates by factor of 10, too low for the precise division.
  • D (10710^7107): Overestimates by factor of 10, exceeding the actual ratio.

Final answer: C

Topic: General properties of waves

Practice more O Levels Physics (5054) questions on mMCQ.me