What is one factor that does not affect the speed of sound?

• A. Density of the medium
• B. Temperature of the medium
• C. Frequency of the sound wave
• D. Type of medium (solid, liquid, gas)

Answer: (C)

The frequency of the sound wave does not affect the speed of sound within a given medium. The propagation speed of sound is primarily determined by the properties of the medium through which it travels, such as its density, temperature, and whether it is in a solid, liquid, or gas state.

In general, sound travels faster in solids than in liquids and faster in liquids than in gases because solids are denser and have particles that are more closely arranged, allowing for quicker energy transfer. Additionally, as temperature increases, the speed of sound typically increases as well due to the enhanced movement of particles in the medium.

Frequency affects the pitch of the sound, but it does not influence how fast the sound travels through that medium. The speed of sound is constant for a given medium at a specific temperature and does not vary with different frequencies of sound waves produced.