Question

The velocity of sound in air:
A. Decreases with increase in temperature
B. Increases with decrease in temperature
C. Decreases with decrease in temperature
D. Does not depend on temperature

Answer 1

Hint: In order to deal with this question first we will define the term velocity of sound then we will see the factors upon which velocity of sound depends on air and finally we will select the correct option amongst the given ones by comparing them on the study done.

Complete step by step answer:

Formula used- $v = \sqrt {\gamma RT} $
Sound velocity: Sound velocity is the distance traveled by a shock wave per unit time, as it propagates across an elastic medium.
The speed of the sound in air depends on the following factors:
Temperature of air:

The mathematical expression for the dependence on the temperature is:
$v = \sqrt {\gamma RT} $

Density of air:

$v = \sqrt {\dfrac{{\gamma P}}{\rho }} $
$\gamma $ is an adiabatic index.

(3) Humidity of air:

The speed of sound is higher as humidity increases.
As from the first point we can see that velocity of sound in air is directly proportional to the temperature.
Hence, from the first factor we have observed that the velocity of sound in air increases with increase in temperature and decrease with decrease in temperature.
So, the correct answer is option C.

Note- Sound is a sound that propagates like an acoustic wave, through a means of propagation like a gas, liquid or solid. The definition above is based on the assumption that the sound propagates as a vibrational motion of the transmitting media object. Generally speaking, it can also be understood that the temperature of the gas will be higher than the movement of its particles and the vibration will move very easily and vice versa.