Does the speed of sound change in metal when heated?

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SUMMARY

The speed of sound in metal is affected by temperature, as heating alters the material's density and elasticity. Specifically, as temperature increases, the density of the metal decreases, which can lead to an increase in the speed of sound. The relationship between temperature and the speed of sound can be understood through the equation for sound speed in solids, which factors in both density and elasticity. This discussion highlights the importance of considering multiple variables when analyzing sound propagation in materials.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles, particularly wave propagation.
  • Familiarity with material properties such as density and elasticity.
  • Knowledge of the equation for the speed of sound in solids.
  • Basic thermodynamics related to temperature effects on materials.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the equation for sound speed in solids, focusing on density and elasticity.
  • Explore temperature effects on material properties in detail.
  • Investigate the speed of sound in various metals at different temperatures.
  • Review related discussions on physics forums about temperature-dependent properties of materials.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, materials scientists, engineers, and anyone interested in the acoustic properties of metals and their temperature dependencies.

volican
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Is the speed of sound different through the same piece of metal when it is heated compared to when at ambient temperature?
 
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volican said:
Is the speed of sound different through the same piece of metal when it is heated compared to when at ambient temperature?
What are your thoughts? What things affect the speed of sound in a material?
 
I'm thinking it does because the density would be different.
 
volican said:
I'm thinking it does because the density would be different.
I would think so too, but I think the speed of sound in a material depends on other things as well. I'd look up the speed of sound in materials (maybe start at Wikipedia), and look at the equation there.
 
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