If the pressure of air enclosed in a long tube is increased 10 times, then the speed of sound will:
Correct answer: C. Remain constant
- A. Increase
- B. Decrease
- C. Remain constant
- D. Becomes zero
Explanation
The speed of sound in a gas is primarily determined by the temperature of the gas rather than the pressure. While increasing the pressure of air might intuitively suggest a change in sound speed, it is important to note that in ideal gas conditions, the speed of sound remains constant if the temperature does not change. Thus, in this scenario, the speed of sound will remain constant. Option A is incorrect because increasing pressure does not necessarily increase sound speed in a constant temperature environment. Option B is also incorrect as sound speed does not decrease with increased pressure. Option D is incorrect since sound cannot become zero simply because of pressure changes.
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Progressive waves transfer energy through oscillations, with wavelength, frequency, amplitude and wave speed related by v = fλ; sound speed depends on the medium. Superposition produces interference and stationary waves in strings and organ pipes, while simple harmonic motion describes the oscillation itself and must be distinguished from wave propagation.
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