Physics Waves NUMS 2023
PMDC Verified Question 52 of 125
With increase in pressure, the speed of sound will:
A
Increase
B
Decrease
C
First increase then decrease
D
Remain the same
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option D: Remain the same
Concept:

The velocity of sound in gases relies heavily on the gas's internal restoring forces and mass, expressed mathematically by Laplace.

Formula:

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

Solution:

  • According to gas laws, pressure and density are directly proportional at a constant temperature.


  • If you mechanically squeeze a gas to increase its pressure (\( P \)), the gas compresses, shrinking its volume and increasing its density (\( \rho \)) by the exact same multiplier.


  • Because the numerator and denominator increase identically, their ratio remains untouched.


  • Consequently, the calculated speed of sound must remain the same.


Why other options are incorrect:

Students incorrectly guess Option A by looking at \( P \) in the numerator of the formula but neglecting the invisible dependency of \( \rho \) on pressure.

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