How Medium & Temperature Affect Sound Waves: Frequency, Wavelength & Speed

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on how sound waves are affected by changes in medium and temperature. When sound travels from air to water, the increased density of water results in a higher velocity of sound, necessitating an increase in either frequency or wavelength. Additionally, the speed of sound in air is influenced by temperature, following the equation: Velocity = 331.5 m/s + 0.6 T, where T is the temperature in Celsius. Understanding these relationships is crucial for analyzing sound wave behavior in different environments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sound wave properties: frequency, wavelength, and speed
  • Familiarity with the equation for wave velocity: Velocity = Frequency × Wavelength
  • Knowledge of how temperature affects sound speed in air
  • Basic concepts of medium density and its impact on sound propagation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of medium density on sound wave propagation in different materials
  • Learn about the relationship between temperature and sound speed in various gases
  • Explore the mathematical derivation of sound wave equations in different media
  • Investigate practical applications of sound wave behavior in engineering and acoustics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, acoustics researchers, and professionals in audio engineering will benefit from this discussion on the effects of medium and temperature on sound waves.

UNknown 2010
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Homework Statement



(1) A sound wave is traveling through air medium, if the medium is replaced by water, how that will affect the wavelength, frequency and speed of the wave ?

(2) If the temperature of the air changed, how that will affect the wavelength, frequency and speed of the wave ?


Homework Equations



Velocity = Frequency × Wavelength

Velocity of sound wave in air = 331.5 m/s + 0.6 T


The Attempt at a Solution



(1) If the medium is replaced by water, which has greater density, the velocity increases. From the equation: Velocity = Frequency × Wavelength

Frequency or wavelength or maybe both frequency and wavelength must be increased, Could you tell me which one ?

(2) If temperature changed, velocity will be changed, so that frequency or wavelength must be changed. Could you tell me which one of them will change ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
well, you know that the speed of sound in a specific medium should be (roughly speaking) a constant ..

you tell me, does it matter to know whether the frequency is the one which changed or the wavelength?
 

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