How Does Temperature Affect the Speed of Sound?

What is the relationship between temperature and the speed of sound?

Does the speed of sound increase or decrease with an increase in temperature?

Answer:

The speed of sound increases with an increase in temperature.

Explanation:

Temperature directly affects the speed of sound in the air. When the temperature of the medium (air) increases, the speed of sound also increases. This is because sound travels faster in warmer air compared to colder air.

The relationship between temperature and the speed of sound can be explained by the kinetic theory of gases. In warmer air, the molecules have higher kinetic energy and move faster, leading to an increase in the speed at which sound waves propagate through the medium.

On the other hand, in colder air, the molecules have lower kinetic energy and move slower, resulting in a decrease in the speed of sound. This phenomenon is why sound travels faster on hot summer days compared to cold winter days.

Therefore, the speed of sound is directly proportional to the temperature of the medium, with an increase in temperature leading to a higher speed of sound and vice versa.