A certain metal with atomic mass 2.4 × 10−25 kg has an interatomic bond with length 2.4 × 10−10 m and stiffness 45 N/m. What is the speed of sound in a rod made of this metal?

Given Information:

Stiffness of the metal = s =  45 N/m

Atomic mass of the metal = m  = 2.4×10⁻²⁵ kg

Interatomic bond distance = d = 2.4×10⁻¹⁰ m

Required Information:

Speed of sound = v = ?

v = 3286.3 m/s

Explanation:

The speed of the sound in a rod made of this metal can be found using the following equation

v = √(s/m)*d

Where s is the stiffness of the metal, m is the atomic mass of the metal, and d is the interatomic bond distance

v = √(45/2.4×10⁻²⁵)*( 2.4×10⁻¹⁰)

v = 3286.3 m/s

Therefore, the speed of the sound in a rod made of this metal would be 3286.3 m/s