The velocity of sound in a medium is determined by the physical properties of that medium, such as its density, elasticity, and temperature. It is not directly affected by changes in the frequency or wavelength of the sound.
The velocity of sound can be calculated using the formula:
v = λf
where: v is the velocity of sound, λ is the wavelength of the sound, and f is the frequency of the sound.
When the frequency of a sound wave changes, but the wavelength changes proportionally to keep the velocity constant. This phenomenon is known as the wave speed equation or the wave equation.
For example, if the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases in such a way that the product of frequency and wavelength (λf) remains constant, thus keeping the velocity of sound unchanged. Similarly, if the frequency decreases, the wavelength increases proportionally to maintain the constant velocity of sound.
This relationship between frequency, wavelength, and velocity is a fundamental characteristic of wave propagation in a given medium and is described by the wave equation. Changes in frequency and wavelength do not directly affect the velocity of sound; rather, they are related to each other by this equation, which ensures that the velocity remains constant.