Does the speed of sound depend on its density?

Answer 1

The speed of sound c in air under normal conditions is only dependent on the temperature. It is independent of the air pressure p.
Reason: The air pressure p and the air density rho are proportional to each other at the same temperature. Hence, the speed of sound in air, which depends on the ratio of p to rho, is constant. Therefore the speed of sound in air is the same on a mountain peak as it is at sea level, provided that the temperature is the same.

On the other hand, if you change from one gas to another, the speed will depend on density. For example, Argon gas and Helium gas at the same temperature and pressure will have very different densities and this will result in very different speeds for sound. In that case, the speed of sound is proportional to the inverse of the square root of the molecular mass. For more details see the related links.

The speed of sound in solids will be much faster than in a liquid, but there is no simple relationship to the density in that case. For example, iron and aluminum have very different densities, but almost the same speed for sound.

Answer 2

The speed of sound can vary depending on the density of the medium if all other factors are kept constant. However there are few cases where you can actually change the density without changing something else at the same time. For example, for sound in air you cannot change the density without also changing the pressure. In that case, the changes in the speed of sound due to density and pressure cancel each other and there is virtually no change in the speed of sound when the density is changed.

Answer 3

yes the speed of sound depend upon medium

Answer 4

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