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Sound moves with higher velocity if
Explanation
The velocity of sound in a gaseous medium is primarily influenced by temperature and humidity. According to the formula v = sqrt(gamma * R * T / M), the speed of sound is directly proportional to the square root of the absolute temperature [c1, t6]. As temperature increases, molecules gain kinetic energy and vibrate faster, allowing sound waves to propagate more quickly [t8]. Additionally, humidity increases the speed of sound because water vapor is less dense than dry air (the molar mass of water is lower than that of nitrogen and oxygen) [t1]. This reduction in the overall density of the air-water mixture, while maintaining pressure, results in a higher velocity [c3, t1]. Conversely, in an ideal gas, the speed of sound is independent of pressure because changes in pressure are offset by proportional changes in density, keeping the ratio constant [c1, t9].
Sources
- [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 20: Earths Atmosphere > 20.2. Structure of The Earth's Atmosphere > p. 274
- [2] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 5: Earths Magnetic Field (Geomagnetic Field) > Why Do Sound Waves Travel Faster In A Denser Medium Whereas Light Travels Slower? > p. 64
- [3] https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/airplane/isentrop.html