Speed of sound depends on what properties?

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Multiple Choice

Speed of sound depends on what properties?

Explanation:
Speed of sound is governed by how easily a medium can be compressed (stiffness) and how much mass there is to move (density). Higher stiffness makes waves travel faster, while higher density adds inertia and slows them down. In fluids, this shows up as c = sqrt(K/ρ), with K as the bulk modulus. In solids, elastic moduli (like Young’s or bulk modulus) relate to density to determine wave speeds. Temperature can alter density and stiffness, but the intrinsic determinants are density and stiffness. That’s why the correct choice is the combination of density and stiffness.

Speed of sound is governed by how easily a medium can be compressed (stiffness) and how much mass there is to move (density). Higher stiffness makes waves travel faster, while higher density adds inertia and slows them down. In fluids, this shows up as c = sqrt(K/ρ), with K as the bulk modulus. In solids, elastic moduli (like Young’s or bulk modulus) relate to density to determine wave speeds. Temperature can alter density and stiffness, but the intrinsic determinants are density and stiffness. That’s why the correct choice is the combination of density and stiffness.

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