Speed of sound waves in various media.

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SUMMARY

Sound waves travel faster in solids than in air due to the higher elasticity of solids, despite their greater density. The relationship between sound speed and air density is inversely proportional; as air density decreases, sound speed increases. Additionally, temperature plays a crucial role: higher temperatures reduce air density, resulting in faster sound propagation. The formula for sound velocity, V = √(E/d), illustrates that lower density leads to higher velocity when elasticity remains constant.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly sound waves
  • Familiarity with the formula for sound velocity, V = √(E/d)
  • Knowledge of elasticity and its impact on wave propagation
  • Basic grasp of how temperature affects gas density
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between elasticity and sound speed in different media
  • Explore the effects of temperature on sound propagation in gases
  • Learn about the properties of solids that contribute to sound transmission
  • Investigate the physics of sound waves in various states of matter
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching sound wave properties, and anyone interested in the mechanics of sound propagation in different media.

Manraj singh
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My tenth grade physics textbook says that sound travels faster in solids than air. But it also says sound will travel faster in air if its density decreases. I didn't really get the logic, as solids are denser than air, and that is why sound travels faster. Then they say as temperature of air increases , sound will travel faster in it as its density decreases. Can anyone please explain this? They have also given this formula: Velocity of sound
ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1392908664.280183.jpg
= root of elasticity divided by root of density of medium.
 
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according to the given equation, V= √(E/d) a lower density will give you a bigger number under the radical and hence a bigger velocity.

but in regards to your confusion of higher density = faster speed of sound and lower density = lower speed of sound - this is untrue, its not the density is not directly proportional to the speed of sound, but the tension is directly proportional to the speed of sound, here is a thread that discusses in more detail: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=206667
 
Thx. That helped a lot.
 

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