What happens to wavelength as temperature of air increases?

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As air temperature increases, the speed of sound also increases, which affects the wavelength of sound waves. The relationship between speed (V), wavelength (lambda), and frequency indicates that if the speed of sound rises while frequency remains constant, the wavelength must increase to maintain the equation V = lambda * frequency. The discussion raises questions about whether the frequency of sound changes with temperature, suggesting that the source of the sound typically does not alter frequency due to temperature variations. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding how temperature influences sound propagation in air. Overall, the consensus is that higher temperatures lead to longer wavelengths in sound waves, assuming frequency stays constant.
turtlepower
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Homework Statement

what happens to wavelength if temperature increases?

Homework Equations


V= lambda * frequency

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm guessing since no change to frequency is stated?.. and I know that the speed of sound increases as temperature increase. The wavelength would have to increase in order to balance the equation V= lambda * frequency?
But I'm not sure if it's correct or why and if frequency would be affected by temperature or not..
I can't find a straight answer or explanation on google so here I am.
 
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The molecules vibrate faster at higher temperature.
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Temperature is defined as a measure of the average random motion of particles within a system.
 
Last edited:
turtlepower said:
But I'm not sure if it's correct or why and if frequency would be affected by temperature or not..

Does the source of the sound (eg a signal generator driving a loudspeaker) change frequency when the temperature changes?
 
Hi turtlepower, Welcome to Physics Forums.

Please try to make your Problem Statement self complete; helpers should be able to understand the complete problem by reading the problem statement alone. For example, it should state clearly that the problem pertains to sound in air.

turtlepower said:
I'm guessing since no change to frequency is stated?.. and I know that the speed of sound increases as temperature increase. The wavelength would have to increase in order to balance the equation V= lambda * frequency?
But I'm not sure if it's correct or why and if frequency would be affected by temperature or not..
Those are good ideas. You should be able to find a source to confirm that the speed of sound in air (or any gas) varies with temperature. A web search should turn up a relevant equation (for example, the Hyperphysics web page on Sound Speed in Gases). You should also be able to make an argument about the frequency being constant -- think of how a given sound is projected into the air to begin with. Must the mechanism that produces the sound waves be tied to the temperature?

Edit: Ah. I see that CWatters got there ahead of me!
 
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