Final answer:
The speed of sound is affected by temperature, medium, and humidity. Higher temperatures, denser and more elastic mediums, and lower humidity levels generally result in faster sound propagation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors Affecting the Speed of Sound
The speed of sound is influenced by several factors, including:
- Temperature: Sound travels faster in warmer air because the molecules have more energy and vibrate more quickly.
- Medium: The density and elasticity of the medium affect the speed of sound. For example, sound travels faster in solids than in liquids, and faster in liquids than in gases.
- Humidity: Sound travels faster in dry air compared to humid air because water vapor molecules slow down the speed of sound waves.
These factors demonstrate that the speed of sound is not constant and can vary depending on the circumstances.
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