What happens to wavelength as temperature of air increases?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between temperature and wavelength in the context of sound waves in air. As temperature increases, the speed of sound also increases, leading to an increase in wavelength, given that frequency remains constant. The equation V = lambda * frequency is crucial, where V represents the speed of sound, lambda is the wavelength, and frequency is the sound's frequency. The participants emphasize that while temperature affects the speed of sound, the frequency generated by sound sources, such as loudspeakers, typically remains unchanged.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the wave equation V = lambda * frequency
  • Basic knowledge of sound propagation in gases
  • Familiarity with temperature's effect on molecular motion
  • Concept of sound frequency and its generation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the equation for sound speed in gases, particularly from resources like Hyperphysics
  • Explore the effects of temperature on sound speed in various mediums
  • Investigate how different sound sources maintain frequency across temperature changes
  • Study the principles of wave mechanics and their applications in acoustics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, acoustics researchers, and educators looking to understand the relationship between temperature and sound wave properties.

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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The molecules vibrate faster at higher temperature.
\
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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