What determines how fast a sound wave will travel?

Answer 1

i really dont know lol

Answer 2

The density of the material the sound wave is moving through changes its speed. For air, the elevation, humidity and temperature are three basic things that change the density of air. In general, cold humidified air will transmit sound faster than warm dry air. For solid materials, the density and elasticity of the material will change the speed of sound waves through the material. Dense elastic materials like steel that regain their shape after deformation will have faster sound wave transmission than a "mushier" materials like rubber.

Answer 3

The type of material it is traveling through [medium]. In general, the more solid or dense the better sound conductor. Also temperature of the medium. Humidity of air can also strongly affect speed and clarity of sound.

Answer 4

There are various factors to be taken into account that will influence the transfer of energy through any medium. They are as follows:-

Physical and chemical makeup and characteristics of the medium

Static and dynamic thermal energy within the medium

Any physical changes to the medium properties occurring as a result of any absorption whilst the energy conduits through it

Absorption rates of the medium and temporary changes to physical properties when a thermal or resonating frictional load is applied via the energy through put

Amplitude and frequency of the energy wave or waves and their compositions. IE X-rays, IR, UV, Gamma, Alpha Etc.

This list is not exhaustive. Ambiguities will occur where the energy passes through different or mixed mediums one possibly effecting the other.

Another interesting thought is that all of these waves at some point can either be stopped or reflected, In which case they will either give up their energy into the medium through which they are passing or be deflected/reflected.

In the case of reflection, at some infinitesimal point, the photon for instance must be by definition, stationary, during the transition from forward motion to 180% reflected path. Taking that thought further, any deflection would also have a vector induced temporary loss of speed during the vector change transitional stage.

The positive side is that there are all physical changes and conform to natural laws therefore they are computable with suitable algorithms.

The above is my take on the and answer to your question. It is a bit of a can of worms. I would love to hear others takes on this answer.

Regards

Glen M MacLean, Kent, UK

Answer 5

The type of matter affects the speed of travel of the sound

Answer 6

The medium it is traveling through and the temperature. Sound travels faster through water than it does through air. Sound travels faster through hot air than it does cold air.

Answer 7

The property is amplitude. Sound waves are pressure waves, and the higher the amplitude, the higher the pressure created, and the louder the sound is.

Answer 8

The density of the medium through which the sound waves are propagated.

Answer 9

Density