The speed of sound is the distance travelled by a sound wave per unit time in a given medium.
Sound travels at different speeds in different media.
The speed of sound depends on the nature of the medium. It is highest in solids and lowest in gases.
In general, speed of sound decreases with increase in density of the medium.
The speed of sound in gases increases with increase in temperature.
Increase in humidity increases the speed of sound in air because moist air is less dense than dry air.
At 0°C, the speed of sound in air is approximately 332 m s−1.
At room temperature, it is approximately 343 m s−1.
Q1. Speed of sound is maximum in: A) Gases B) Liquids C) Solids D) Vacuum Answer: C Q2. Speed of sound in air increases with increase in: A) Density B) Pressure C) Temperature D) Altitude Answer: C Q3. Speed of sound is slowest in: A) Solids B) Liquids C) Gases D) Steel Answer: C Q4. Increase in humidity causes speed of sound in air to: A) Decrease B) Remain same C) Increase D) Become zero Answer: C Q5. At 0°C, the speed of sound in air is approximately: A) 300 m/s B) 332 m/s C) 343 m/s D) 360 m/s Answer: B Q6. Speed of sound depends on: A) Medium only B) Temperature only C) Humidity only D) Medium, temperature and humidity Answer: D Q7. Sound travels fastest in which medium? A) Air B) Water C) Iron D) Vacuum Answer: C Q8. Moist air compared to dry air has: A) Higher density B) Lower density C) Same density D) Zero density Answer: B
Distance travelled by sound per unit time.
MCQs are frequently asked on comparison of speed in media, effect of temperature and humidity.
