Difference in sound waves as atmospheric composition changes?

Question

I realize that the density (or lack thereof, at higher elevations) of air molecules determines how well sound waves travel, but how different would our perception of specific sounds be if there was a change in our atmospheric composition--for example, if the atmosphere were 50 percent oxygen instead of 21 percent, or if it were 90 percent nitrogen, etc.? How would things sound if the oxygen levels in the atmosphere were lower (provided we had enough oxygen to keep us alive and conscious)? Not that I'm planning any experiments with inert gases (other than maybe inhaling helium).

Answer 1

The less dense the atmosphere the higher pitched, noises sound. Some of the deep underwater habitats use helium instead of nitrogen and everyone sounds like daffy duck.

There isn't that much of a difference between the density of Nitrogen and Oxygen. More Oxygen and people's voices will sound a little deeper More Nitrogen and sounds will be slightly higher pitched.



Oxygen Density g/ml 0 .001429
Nitrogen Density g/ml 0 .001251
Helium Density g/ml 0 .0001787

Answer 2

Just guessing but I doubt very much there would be a noticable difference in perception of sound as long as the total atmospheric pressure was the same.