+36 votes
in Sound by
edited by

Your answer

Your name to display (optional):
Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications.
+2 votes
by

The speed of sound is not constant for all mediums. It actually varies depending on the properties of the medium through which it travels. The speed of sound refers to the rate at which sound waves propagate through a specific material or substance.

The speed of sound in a medium is determined by two main factors: the elasticity (stiffness) and density of the medium. In general, the denser the medium, the slower the speed of sound, and the more elastic (stiffer) the medium, the faster the speed of sound.

For example, in general, sound travels faster in solids than in liquids, and faster in liquids than in gases. This is because solids have a higher density and greater elasticity compared to liquids and gases. The speed of sound also depends on other factors such as temperature and pressure.

In specific mediums, the speed of sound can be influenced by various factors. For instance, in air, the speed of sound at sea level and at room temperature is approximately 343 meters per second (about 1,125 feet per second). However, this value can change with variations in temperature, humidity, and altitude. In water, sound travels at around 1,480 meters per second (about 4,860 feet per second), which is much faster than in air.

So, to summarize, the speed of sound is not constant for all mediums. It depends on the properties of the medium through which it propagates, such as elasticity and density, as well as other external factors like temperature and pressure.

Welcome to Physicsgurus Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community.
...