Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsSound Waves
The density and the bulk modulus of water are both greater than those of air. Based solely on this information, it can be stated that the velocity of sound in air
Options
- Ais greater than its velocity in water
- Bis less than its velocity in water
- Cis equal to its velocity in water
- Dcannot be compared to its velocity in water
Correct answer
D. cannot be compared to its velocity in water
Step-by-step solution
The velocity of sound in a fluid medium is given by the formula: v = B where B is the bulk modulus and is the density of the medium. For water and air, the velocities are: v_ w = B_ w _ w and v_ a = B_ a _ a It is given that B_ w > B_ a and _ w > _ a . Since both the numerator and the denominator for water are greater than those for air, the ratio B_ w _ w could be greater than, less than, or equal to B_ a _ a depending on the actual numerical values of these quantities. Therefore, based solely on the given informa