Question

The following data show the values of the speed of sound (in m/s) through
medium A, B, C and D:
Medium
Speed of Sound (m/s)
A
3000 (m/s)
B
330 (m/s)
C
0(m/s)
D
1500 (m/s)
(i)
Why is the speed of sound through medium CO (m/s) ?
(ii) Identify the most probable physical state of A. Give reason for your -
answer.
(iii) Which of the four media could be 'air?​

Answer 1

ans i] because there is no medium and since sound is a mechanical wave it needs a medium to travel so that is why speed of sound is 0 in C.

ans ii] solid- as the molecules of solid are closer, sound travels faster

ans iii] B could be air

good day!

Answer 2

1. Medium 'C' is vacuum. The speed of sound is 0 (m/s) because the sound is passing through vacuum.

• Sound waves require particles to propagate through.
• In a vacuum medium, there are no particles and hence no sound.

2. Medium 'A' is solid.

• The speed of sound relies on the medium's density.
• The greater the density, the greater the speed.
• Solids have the greatest density as the particles as closely packed within a solid.
• The propagation of the sound waves is fastest in this medium.

3. Medium 'B' could be air.

• Speed of sound in Solid > Liquid > Air > Vacuum.
• Here, medium 'B' has the lowest speed, excluding vacuum.
• In a gaseous medium, the particles are loosely packed when compared to liquids and solids.
• Thus, the speed of sound waves is the least in medium air.