Physics Waves ETEA 2023
PMDC Verified Question 43 of 125
If the pressure of air enclosed in a long tube is increased 10 times, then speed of sound will:
A
Increase
B
Decrease
C
Remain constant
D
Become zero
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option C: Remain constant
Concept:

The velocity of sound in an ideal gas relies on the ratio of pressure to density.

Formula:

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

Solution:

  • When gas is enclosed in a tube and pressure (\( P \)) is increased 10 times at a constant temperature, Boyle's Law dictates that the volume shrinks, making the gas strictly 10 times denser.


  • The new velocity would be \( v' = \sqrt{\frac{\gamma (10P)}{(10\rho)}} \).


  • The 10s perfectly cancel out, leaving the original ratio intact.


  • Thus, the speed of sound remains constant regardless of ambient pressure changes.


Why other options are incorrect:

Students often glance at the formula, see \( P \) in the numerator, and wrongly assume an increase (Option A) without accounting for the hidden proportional variable \( \rho \).

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