Question

analyzing factors affecting waves
which factors will cause an increase in the speed of a sound wave? choose three correct answers.
a change from liquid water
to water vapor
a change from water vapor
to liquid water
a change from liquid water
to solid water
an increase in the
temperature of water
a decrease in the
temperature of water

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the relationship between medium state and sound speed

Sound travels faster in denser mediums. Liquid is denser than gas (vapor), and solid is denser than liquid. So a change from water vapor (gas) to liquid water (denser medium) and a change from liquid water to solid water (ice, denser medium) will increase sound speed.

Step2: Recall the relationship between temperature and sound speed

In a given medium (like water), as temperature increases, the kinetic energy of particles increases. Particles can vibrate and transfer sound energy more quickly. So an increase in the temperature of water will increase sound speed.

Answer:

• a change from water vapor to liquid water
• a change from liquid water to solid water
• an increase in the temperature of water