If a compressible medium has bulk modulus denoted by B and density denoted by P, then a Newton's formula for the speed of sound in a medium is _.
Correct answer: A. V = √(B / P)
- A. V = √(B / P)
- B. V = √(B * P)
- C. V = B / P
- D. V = √(P / B)
Explanation
The speed of sound in a compressible medium is given by Newton's formula: V = √(B / P), where B is the bulk modulus and P is the density of the medium. The formula shows that the speed of sound is directly proportional to the square root of the ratio of the bulk modulus to the density. This is because a higher bulk modulus (indicating a stiffer medium) and a lower density both contribute to a higher speed of sound.Option A is correct because it correctly reflects this relationship. Option B is incorrect as it suggests multiplying the bulk modulus by the density, which does not describe the speed of sound. Option C is incorrect because it lacks the square root, which is necessary for the correct calculation. Option D is incorrect as it reverses the roles of bulk modulus and density.
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