According to Newton sound travel in air under the conditions of_____________________?
Correct answer: B. isothermal
- A. adiabatic
- B. isothermal
- C. isobaric
- D. isochoric
Explanation
Newton assumed that the compressions and rarefactions of sound in air occur under isothermal conditions, so heat has time to flow and the temperature remains constant. This assumption gives the lower estimate of about 281 m s-1. The likely mistake is choosing adiabatic, which describes the more accurate modern treatment because the oscillations occur too rapidly for significant heat exchange.
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About Speed of Sound
The speed of sound depends on the properties of the medium, including its elasticity and density, and in gases it varies mainly with temperature. Questions connect speed with frequency and wavelength, compare sound in solids, liquids and gases, and distinguish the speed of propagation from the oscillating particles' motion.
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