O-LevelPhysicsWaves5054/11 · May/June 2010 · Q231 Mark

A flash of lightning and the corresponding sound of the thunder are detected 6s apart. A student calculates that the lightning struck about 1800m away. On which assumption is the calculation based?

ALight reaches us almost instantaneously, but sound travels at 300m/s.

BLight travels 300 m/s faster than sound.

CLight travels 300 times faster than sound.

DThe sound of the thunder was emitted 6s after the flash.

✓ Correct answer

A: Light reaches us almost instantaneously, but sound travels at 300m/s.

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