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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. The speed of a longitudinal wave in a solid bar is given by v = √(X/ρ), where 'ρ' is density of the medium. What is the unknown term 'X'?

  2. At standard temperature and pressure, in which of the following media does sound propagate with the greatest speed?

  3. The velocity of sound in air is affected by change in the

    I. Moisture content of air

    II. Temperature of air

    III. Composition of air

    IV. Atmospheric pressure

    Choose the correct answer.

  4. Velocity of sound is maximum in:

  5. What is the relation between the frequency f, wavelength λ, and speed v of the sound?

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