The speed of sound is faster on a rainy day because:
Correct answer: B. density of moist air is less than the dry air.
- A. mass of moist air is more than the dry air.
- B. density of moist air is less than the dry air.
- C. temperature of the medium remains the same.
- D. medium of propagation of sound remains the same.
Explanation
Moist air is less dense than dry air because water vapour molecules (molar mass 18) are lighter than nitrogen and oxygen molecules, and sound travels faster in a less dense gas. Saying moist air has more mass reverses the cause.
This question appeared on the UHS MDCAT 2026 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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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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