Physics Waves NUMS 2022
PMDC Verified Question 75 of 125
The speed of sound in air does not depend on:
A
Density of medium
B
Pressure
C
Temperature
D
Plane mirror
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option B: Pressure
Concept:

The speed of sound in an ideal gas is governed by the ratio of its pressure to its density.

Formula:

$$ v = \sqrt{\frac{\gamma P}{\rho}} $$

Solution:

  • According to Boyle's law (\( P \propto \rho \)), if you isothermally increase the pressure of a gas, its density increases by the exact same proportion.


  • Because both \( P \) (numerator) and \( \rho \) (denominator) increase together, their ratio \( P/\rho \) remains mathematically constant.


  • Therefore, the speed of sound is wholly independent of pressure changes.


Why other options are incorrect:

Sound speed heavily depends on Temperature (increases speed) and absolute Density (different gases have different speeds). (Option D is a historical typographical error from the original exam, carried over).

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