What happens to wavelength of sound in liquid?

In summary, the speed of sound is greater in liquids than in air, and can be calculated by multiplying the wavelength by the frequency. When sound travels from air to liquid, the speed changes and therefore the wavelength also changes. While the frequency may not change, the wavelength increases due to the increased speed of sound in the liquid. This can be explained at a molecular level by the larger bulk modulus and stronger intermolecular interactions in liquids compared to air.
  • #1
hasankamal007
42
0
We know that speed of sound in liquid is more than in air.
Also, velocity of sound = wavelength X frequency.

Now there's a change in speed of sound from air to liquid, so, wavelength or frequency should have got changed...

But, generally, frequency won't change for an object (correct me if I'm wrong).
So there should be a change in wavelength...
My question is how? The reason?
(Please try to explain also at molecular level)
Thanks.
 
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  • #2
You answered your question already. The wavelength increases because the speed of sound increases. I don't see what you mean by explanation at "molecular level" for this.
The wavelength is the distance traveled during the time required for the phase to change by 2pi. Nothing to do with molecules.

If you are looking for an explanation for the increased speed of sound, then you may look at molecular level. The speed is larger in water due to larger bulk modulus (or decreased compressibility). This can be attributed in part to stronger intermolecular interactions and reduced intermolecular space.
 

1. What is the relationship between wavelength and sound in liquid?

The wavelength of sound in liquid is directly related to the speed of sound and the frequency of the sound wave. As the speed of sound increases, the wavelength decreases, and vice versa. Similarly, as the frequency of the sound wave increases, the wavelength decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is described by the formula: wavelength = speed of sound/frequency.

2. How does the speed of sound in liquid affect the wavelength of sound?

The speed of sound in liquid is determined by the properties of the liquid, such as its density and elasticity. As the speed of sound increases, the wavelength decreases, and vice versa. This is because a higher speed of sound means that each sound wave travels a shorter distance in the same amount of time, resulting in a shorter wavelength.

3. Does the wavelength of sound change when it enters a liquid?

Yes, the wavelength of sound changes when it enters a liquid. This is due to the change in the speed of sound in the liquid, which in turn affects the wavelength. The wavelength of sound in air is longer than in liquid due to the difference in the speed of sound in the two mediums.

4. How does the wavelength of sound in liquid compare to that in air?

The wavelength of sound is shorter in liquid than in air. This is because the speed of sound in liquid is generally higher than in air, resulting in a shorter wavelength. For example, the speed of sound in water is about 4 times faster than in air, so the wavelength of sound in water will be about 4 times shorter than in air.

5. Can the wavelength of sound in liquid be measured?

Yes, the wavelength of sound in liquid can be measured using various techniques such as interference patterns or resonance. These methods involve measuring the distance between two points where the sound wave is at a certain phase, and using the formula: wavelength = distance between two points x frequency. This can give an accurate measurement of the wavelength of sound in liquid.

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