Asked in MDCAT Test Series 5 — Waves and Thermodynamics (7 March 2025) 2025Moderate

Laplace's correction to Newton's formula is based on the fact that the compressions and rarefactions occur as _.

Correct answer: A. Adiabatic process

  • A. Adiabatic process
  • B. Isothermal process
  • C. Isochoric process
  • D. Isobaric process

Explanation

Laplace's correction to Newton's formula recognizes that sound waves involve rapid compressions and rarefactions where there is insufficient time for heat exchange with surroundings, making the process adiabatic. Newton's original assumption of an isothermal process (constant temperature) was incorrect because it fails to consider the rapid temperature changes accompanying pressure variations in sound waves.The adiabatic process assumption accounts for these temperature changes, leading to a more accurate formula for sound speed in gases. The other processes-isochoric (constant volume) and isobaric (constant pressure)-do not describe the conditions experienced during sound wave propagation.

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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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