0
The speed that sound waves propagate through a gas follows the equation: v = sqrt(gamma*R*T)/M), where gamma is the adiabatic index, which, for air, is about 1.4, and is barely (if at all (I'm no expert, just a physics major)) related to the density of air. R is the Universal Gas Constant (~8.31 J/(mol*K)), T is temperature (K), and M is the molecular weight (kg/mol).
Humid air is actually less dense than dry air. This is due to the fact that dry air is primarily composed of N2 and O2 molecules, which have a molecular mass of around 28 and 32 Atomic Mass units, respectively. A molecule of water has a mass of only 18 atomic mass units. Therefore, a mole of dry air molecules weighs more than a mole of relatively humid air molecules.
Because the molar mass (M) is less for humid air, the denominator inside of the above-mentioned velocity function is reduced, and the numerator effectively stays constant. Therefore, the fraction becomes larger, and the speed of sound increases as molar mass decreases.
The amplitude of sound waves stays larger for longer in humid air. This is because energy is needed in order to move the molecules in the air and propagate the sound. Less dense air (humid air) has less mass to be moved in order to propagate the sound, and therefore less energy goes into propagating the sound and more energy can remain in the form of the amplitude of the wave.
Summary: The speed of sound waves and the amplitude of sound waves through humid air is greater because humid air is actually less dense than dry air.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How does sound waves affect whales?
The sound waves affect their sence of directions.
How does each factor affect transmission of sound waves?
Pressure does not make any change in the speed of sound But temperature affects it. Velocity is proportional to the square root of kelvin temperature Humidity also affects the speed of sound. Higher the humidity more the speed
Can sound waves travel through clouds?
Yes, sound waves can travel through clouds because clouds are made up of water droplets or ice crystals, which are not dense enough to block sound waves like solids would. However, the presence of clouds can affect how sound waves are transmitted and reflected due to changes in temperature and humidity within the cloud.
What affcts the speed of soundwaves in the air?
The speed of sound waves in air is affected by the temperature, humidity, and composition of the air. Generally, sound waves travel faster in warmer air with higher humidity.
What is most likely to affect the distance sound travels before it can no longer be heard?
The main factors that affect the distance sound travels before it can no longer be heard are the intensity of the sound source, obstacles in the environment that absorb or reflect sound waves, and atmospheric conditions like temperature, humidity, and wind speed.
What factors affect the speed of wave?
Some factors that affect the speed of sound waves are density of medium, temperature, direction of wind, and humidity. Remember that a sound wave is just a pressure disturbance that travels through a medium by particle interactions. The nature of the medium will affect the sound waves velocity.
How does tension affect a sound wave?
Tensionin a sound waves makes the sound harsher sound or softer sound
Why can sound only travel a certain distance on the earth?
Sound can only travel a certain distance on Earth due to factors like air temperature, pressure, and humidity, which affect the speed and intensity of sound waves. Additionally, obstacles such as buildings, mountains, and bodies of water can absorb or reflect sound waves, limiting how far they can travel.
Does the temperature or humidity affect my speakers' sound quality?
It can sometimes cause the speakers to sound distorted if wiring malfunctions
Data table for sound waves through different materials affect the sound we hear?
no
What are some Factors that affect speed of sound in air?
The speed of sound in air is affected by temperature, humidity, and air pressure. At higher temperatures, sound travels faster because the air molecules are moving more quickly. Humidity can also influence the speed of sound, as water vapor molecules can disrupt sound waves. Additionally, changes in air pressure can impact the density of the air, affecting the speed at which sound waves travel.
What factors affect sound waves?
Factors that affect sound waves include the medium through which the waves travel (such as air, water, or solids), the amplitude of the wave (which affects its loudness), the frequency of the wave (which affects its pitch), and the distance the sound wave travels (which affects its intensity). Other factors can include temperature, humidity, and obstructions in the wave's path.
