Question

Which of the factors varies when sound propagates through air molecules?

• A. Frequency
• B. Pressure
• C. Density
• D. Temperature

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

The correct options are
B

Pressure

C

Density

When a sound wave travels through a medium, say air, the particles of the medium get disturbed in the same fashion, i.e. compression and rarefaction. When air particles come closer it is called compression. On the other hand, when particles go farther than their normal position it is called rarefaction. When compression takes place in the medium, the density and pressure of the medium increases. When rarefaction takes place in the medium, density and pressure of the medium decreases. This increase and decrease in density and pressure are temporary.

Whereas, temperature and frequency do not depend on the propagation of sound.