Answer :
Final answer:
The distance from the source to the reflector is 171.5 meters. (Option B)
Explanation:
To calculate the distance traveled by the sound wave, we use the formula: Distance = Speed × Time. Given that the reflected wave returns 0.5 seconds later, the total time taken for the round trip is 1 second (0.5 seconds each way). The speed of sound in air is typically around 343 meters per second. Therefore, Distance = 343 m/s × 0.5 s = 171.5 m.
Here's the detailed calculation:
1. Total time taken for the round trip = 0.5 seconds (one way) + 0.5 seconds (return) = 1 second.
2. Speed of sound in air = 343 m/s (given).
3. Distance traveled by the sound wave = Speed × Time = 343 m/s × 0.5 s = 171.5 meters.
Thus, the distance from the source to the reflector is 171.5 meters. This is evident from the fact that the sound wave travels a certain distance to reach the reflector and then covers the same distance back to the source. Option B is the correct answer.
