If a sound wave slows down, its wavelength and frequency remain unchanged. The speed of sound in a medium is determined by the properties of the medium itself, such as its density and elasticity. The speed of sound is given by the equation:
Speed of sound = Frequency × Wavelength
From this equation, we can see that the speed of sound is directly proportional to the frequency and wavelength of the sound wave. If the speed of sound decreases, it means that the sound wave is traveling through a different medium with different properties, such as a denser or less elastic medium.
When a sound wave enters a different medium, its speed changes, but its frequency and wavelength remain constant. The frequency of a sound wave is determined by the source of the sound and does not change as it propagates through different media. The wavelength of a sound wave is determined by its frequency and speed of propagation and is also independent of the medium it travels through.
In summary, if a sound wave slows down, its wavelength and frequency do not change. However, the speed of sound itself changes due to the properties of the medium it is traveling through.