Question

Medium 1 has a density of 9 and a stiffness of 6. Medium 2 has a density of 8 and a stiffness of 6. In which medium will sound travel slower?

A. Medium 1.
B. Medium 2.
C. Sound travels at the same speed in both media.
D. The question cannot be answered based on the given information.

Answer 1

Sound travels slower in Medium 1 because it has a higher density than Medium 2, despite both media having the same stiffness.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speed at which sound travels through a medium is governed by the medium's density and rigidity (or stiffness). The density of the medium inversely affects the speed of sound, meaning that as the density increases, the sound travels more slowly. Conversely, the stiffness of a medium is directly proportional to the speed of sound, meaning that sound travels faster through a stiffer medium. In this case, both mediums have the same stiffness, but Medium 2 has a lower density than Medium 1. Therefore, according to the principles of sound propagation, sound should travel slower through Medium 1 due to its higher density compared to Medium 2.