The time between a lightning flash and the following thunderclap may be used to estimate, in kilometers, how far away a storm is. How far away is a storm if 6 seconds elapse between the lightning and the thunderclap?

Given Information:

Elapsed time = t = 6 seconds

Required Information:

Distance = d = ?

Answer:

Distance = d = 2.058 km

Explanation:

We know that the speed of sound in the air is given by

v = 343 m/s

The relation between distance, speed and time is given by

distance = speed*time

substituting the given values yields,

distance = 343*6

distance = 2058 m

There are 1000 meters in 1 km so

d = 2058/1000

d = 2.058 km

Therefore, the storm is about 2.058 km away when elapse time between the lightning and the thunderclap is 6 seconds.