Identifying the False Statement About Sound

This question requires identifying the incorrect statement concerning the properties of sound.

Analysis of Sound Properties Statements

• Statement 1: The audible range of an average human is 20 Hz - 20 kHz. This statement is generally considered TRUE. The typical frequency range humans can hear is from 20 Hertz (Hz) to 20,000 Hertz (20 kHz).
• Statement 2: The speed of sound remains uniform irrespective of the temperature or medium. This statement is FALSE. The speed of sound is significantly affected by the properties of the medium (like density and elasticity) and its temperature. For instance, sound travels faster in solids than liquids, and faster in liquids than gases. In gases, speed increases with temperature.
• Statement 3: Sound travels as a longitudinal wave. This statement is TRUE. Sound waves in fluids (like air or water) are longitudinal waves, meaning the particles of the medium oscillate parallel to the direction of wave propagation.
• Statement 4: Sound cannot travel in a vacuum. This statement is TRUE. Sound requires a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to propagate because it travels through vibrations of particles. A vacuum lacks these particles, hence sound cannot travel through it.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the statement claiming the speed of sound is uniform regardless of temperature or medium is incorrect.