Why does the speed of sound decrease in hot water (vs cold water)? Please use scientific terms. The longer the answer, the better. Thanks!
2006-12-07 12:14:12 · 4 answers · asked by jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaba 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The speed of sound is related to the density of the material. Basically sound is a wave of pressure propagating through a material, so the closer the atoms are, the faster it will travel. Sound travels much faster in water then it does in air, and even faster in a solid like metal as it does in water. The general equation for determining the speed of sound is
sqrt(B*rho) where B=bulk modulus of material and rho=density
As the temperature of water increases (assuming you aren't close to freezing) the speed of sound will decrease. Close to freezing water actually becomes less dense as it turns to ice, however seeing as ice is crystaline, the bulk modulus will be higher leading to an even higher speed of sound
2006-12-11 00:09:00 · answer #1 · answered by merlin692 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The speed of sound increases as the densityof the medim through which it travels increases. I don't KNOW that sound decreases in hot water, but it would make sense since cold substances are generally denser.
2006-12-07 12:29:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The speed of sound actually increases in hot water; it does not decrease!
2006-12-07 12:24:12 · answer #3 · answered by firefly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sped of sound relies upon on the medium that it fairly is traveling however alongside with even though if it fairly is however a gas, liquid, and definite a stable.the fee of sound however air is 340m/s.even though if it fairly is even quicker however water going about1500m/s. the fee of sound travels however solids the quickest in copper it is going approximately 2536m/s so it relies upon on temperature and medium however which it propogates. .
2016-12-11 04:29:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋