Propagation speed is determined by which medium properties?

Propagation speed is determined by which medium properties?

• A. Temperature
• B. Viscosity
• C. Stiffness and Density
• D. Color

Answer: (C)

Propagation speed is determined by how stiff the medium is and how dense it is. A stiffer medium resists compression more, so a pressure disturbance moves through it faster, while greater density adds inertia and tends to slow the wave. In general, speed increases with stiffness and decreases with density (roughly c ~ sqrt(stiffness/density)). Temperature can shift speed indirectly by altering density and stiffness, but the direct determinants are stiffness and density. Viscosity mainly affects how quickly the wave is attenuated (energy lost) rather than the actual propagation speed, and color has no effect on sound speed.

Propagation speed is determined by how stiff the medium is and how dense it is. A stiffer medium resists compression more, so a pressure disturbance moves through it faster, while greater density adds inertia and tends to slow the wave. In general, speed increases with stiffness and decreases with density (roughly c ~ sqrt(stiffness/density)). Temperature can shift speed indirectly by altering density and stiffness, but the direct determinants are stiffness and density. Viscosity mainly affects how quickly the wave is attenuated (energy lost) rather than the actual propagation speed, and color has no effect on sound speed.