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

Which one of the following factors has no effect on the speed of sound in a gas?

Correct answer: B. Pressure

  • A. Humidity
  • B. Pressure
  • C. Temperature
  • D. Density

Explanation

(A) Humidity: Humidity refers to the amount of moisture or water vapor present in the air. It does have an effect on the speed of sound. Generally, as humidity increases, the speed of sound in a gas decreases. This is because water vapor molecules in humid air can slow down the transmission of sound waves.(B) Pressure: Pressure is the force exerted by a gas per unit area. Interestingly, pressure does not have a direct effect on the speed of sound in a gas. Changes in pressure primarily affect the density of the gas, which indirectly influences the speed of sound.(C) Temperature: Temperature plays a significant role in determining the speed of sound in a gas. As the temperature increases, the speed of sound also increases. This is because higher temperatures cause gas molecules to move faster, leading to faster sound wave propagation.(D) Density: Density refers to the mass of a substance per unit volume. Density has a direct impact on the speed of sound in a gas. Generally, as the density of a gas increases, the speed of sound decreases. This is because denser gases have more molecules per unit volume, which can impede the transmission of sound waves.Out of these options, the correct answer is (B) pressure. Pressure does not directly affect the speed of sound in gas.

Last updated

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.

Practise Waves

1,281 free Waves MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Exams that ask Physics questions like this

Physics is on 13 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

Related questions