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Question

The density of medium A is more than medium B but less than medium C. In which medium does the sound travels fastest ?

The correct answer is
C

To determine the medium in which sound travels fastest, we need to understand how the speed of sound is affected by the properties of a medium. The speed of sound in a medium is given by the formula:

\(v = \sqrt{\frac{K}{\rho}}\)

where:

  • \(v\) is the speed of sound.
  • \(K\) is the bulk modulus of the medium (a measure of the medium's resistance to compression).
  • \(\rho\) is the density of the medium.

The speed of sound is directly proportional to the square root of the bulk modulus and inversely proportional to the square root of the density. Therefore, for a high speed of sound, a higher bulk modulus is beneficial, and a lower density is preferable, provided other factors remain constant.

Given the problem statement:

  • The density of medium A is more than medium B: \(\rho_A > \rho_B\)
  • The density of medium A is less than medium C: \(\rho_A < \rho_C\)

Sound travels faster in a medium with a higher elasticity (bulk modulus) and lower density. Under the assumption that the bulk modulus values are not specified or change significantly less than density, an increase in density generally suggests a slower speed of sound.

Since medium C has a higher density than A, and assuming bulk modulus values allow speed to vary mainly with density in this scenario, sound should travel fastest in medium C if C also possesses a considerably higher bulk modulus than A and B.

Therefore, based on the given information, the correct conclusion is that sound travels fastest in medium C.

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Important Questions from The Speed of Sound

  1. An object is 10.64 km below the sea level. A research team sends down a sonar signal to confirm this depth. After how long can it expect to get the echo? Take speed of sound in sea water = 1520 m/s.

  2. A boy stands 83 m in front of a high wall and then blows a whistle, calculate the time interval when he hears an echo. Speed of sound is 332 m/s.

  3. A man claps his hands in front of a wall and he hears an echo after 1.6s. He walks. 33m towards wall and hears the echo 1.4 s after clapping. Then velocity of sound in air is:

  4. For hearing a distinct sound, the time interval between the original sound and the reflected one must be atleast ______ seconds.

  5. Please select the correct option for the assertion-reason statement. 

    Assertion: The ceiling conference halls are made curved. 

    Reason: Curved ceilings help the sound to spread evenly in the hall.

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