Question

Velocity of sound is minimum in
A. Nitrogen
B. Hydrogen
C. Air
D. Carbon dioxide

Answer 1

Hint- In order to deal with this question first we will write the formula of velocity of sound in gaseous medium, then we will proceed further by correlating the molar mass of a given element and the speed of sound we will find the answer to the given problem.

Complete step by step answer:

Formula used- $v = \sqrt {\dfrac{{\gamma RT}}{M}} $
We know velocity of sound in gaseous medium is given by

$v = \sqrt {\dfrac{{\gamma RT}}{M}} $

Where, M is the molar mass of the gas and v is the velocity of sound in the gas.
On the basis of the above relation it is the velocity of sound in a gas is inversely proportional to the molar mass of the gas. By using this property we can find the gas with minimum speed of sound in it.
Thus higher the molar mass of the gas, lesser is the speed of sound and vice-versa.
Since the molar mass of carbon dioxide is the lowest of the alternatives, the speed of sound in carbon dioxide is therefore negligible.
Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Additional information:
Sound is characterized as "(a) Oscillation in vibration, stress, particle displacement, particle velocity, etc., propagated in a medium with internal forces ( e.g., elastic or viscous), or the superposition of such propagated oscillation. (b) Auditive feeling evoked by the oscillation described in (a)." Sound can be perceived as a wave motion in air or other elastic material. Sound is a sound, in this situation. Sound can also be seen as an excitation of the hearing mechanism which results in sound perception. Sound is a feeling, in this situation.

Note: The definition mentioned above is based on the sound's particle nature. It can also be understood in general terms that the heavier part of the medium is the particle. This would be the opposite reaction force which it applies to the sound object. Sound is a signal that propagates as an acoustic wave through a transmission medium, whether air, liquid or solid.