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

In summary, the conversation discusses the effects of changing the medium and temperature on the wavelength, frequency, and speed of a sound wave. When the medium is replaced by water, which has a greater density, the velocity increases and either the frequency or wavelength must also increase. When the temperature changes, the velocity will also change, and it is uncertain whether the frequency or wavelength will change. However, the speed of sound in a specific medium is generally constant, so it may not matter which one changes.
  • #1
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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 ?
 
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  • #2
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 frequecy is the one which changed or the wavelength?
 

1. How does medium affect sound waves?

The medium through which sound travels can greatly affect its speed and intensity. In general, sound travels faster through denser mediums, such as solids, and slower through less dense mediums, such as gases. This is because the molecules in denser mediums are closer together, allowing for faster vibrations and therefore faster sound waves.

2. How does temperature affect sound waves?

Temperature also plays a role in the speed of sound. In general, sound travels faster in warmer temperatures and slower in colder temperatures. This is because warmer temperatures cause molecules in the medium to vibrate at a higher frequency, allowing sound waves to travel faster.

3. How does frequency affect sound waves?

Frequency refers to the number of vibrations, or cycles, per second of a sound wave. The higher the frequency, the higher the pitch of the sound. In general, higher frequency sound waves also travel faster than lower frequency waves, regardless of the medium.

4. How does wavelength affect sound waves?

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a sound wave. The shorter the wavelength, the higher the frequency and the higher the pitch of the sound. Longer wavelengths, on the other hand, have lower frequencies and lower pitches. In general, sound waves with shorter wavelengths also travel faster than those with longer wavelengths.

5. How are frequency, wavelength, and speed of sound waves related?

The speed of sound waves is directly related to both frequency and wavelength. As frequency increases, the speed of sound also increases. Similarly, as wavelength decreases, the speed of sound increases. This relationship is described by the equation: speed of sound (m/s) = frequency (Hz) x wavelength (m).

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