phred952:The speed of sound is not a constant
Hi Jeff
The bold print is an actual question from the book. As the center fired cartridge was not in prevalent use until about 1855, I think they are using the report of gun fire, as a loud example of a constant back then.
A lot of gun fire back then.
Today, the example of using a gun, would not be entered into a text book.
We are looking into the past here. It's hard to walk away from our teachings today, and revert back to simplicity.
As far as the speed of sound is concerned, I am an aficionado with all types of weapons. Big bore has long been a relaxation for me. Scuba diving is very dangerous in itself, add the sound of a motor underwater, and it becomes down right frightening.
The boat can be a mile away, if your out of air, and ascending, it sounds as though it's right on top of you. I had to cut a $600.00 buoyancy compensator once. The dive flag is like a magnet to the morons out on the ocean.
I heard the boat, (sound) coming closer. Out of air, I had no choice but to ascend. When I popped up, the boat was headed straight for me, about 70 yards away. I grabbed my knife, sliced the vest, tried to sink as fast as I could, using my arms & hands to push me down.
That pri-ck went directly over me. I had only gotten down to 11 feet. That prop looked pretty menacing directly under it.
I had to leave my weight belt on the ocean floor to get back up. That was a $700.00 day.
Any hoo, the answer to the question is, 6 1/2 miles away, is the distance from the flash.
On the first page, there is some misinformation. I am surprised that no one has picked it up yet. I will leave it unanswered to see if someone realizes how things have accelerated in the world of substance, from then to now.