What happens to wavelength as temperature of air increases?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between temperature and wavelength in the context of sound waves traveling through air. The original poster is exploring how an increase in temperature affects wavelength, particularly in relation to the speed of sound and frequency.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to connect the increase in temperature with changes in wavelength, questioning whether frequency remains constant. Other participants provide insights about molecular motion and suggest that the speed of sound varies with temperature, prompting further inquiry into the relationship between sound source and frequency.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering guidance on confirming the relationship between speed of sound and temperature. There is an exploration of whether the frequency of sound is affected by temperature changes, indicating a productive exchange of ideas without a clear consensus yet.

Contextual Notes

There is a note about the need for a complete problem statement, emphasizing the importance of clarity regarding the context of sound in air. Participants are also considering the implications of sound generation mechanisms on frequency.

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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