Question

which statement regarding sound traveling in air is correct?
(1 point)

as the wavelength increases, the frequency also increases.
a wave with a shorter wavelength is always faster than one with a longer wavelength.
the frequency of a sound does not affect the speed at which it travels.
a loud sound travels faster than a quiet sound.

Explanation:

To determine the correct statement about sound traveling in air, we analyze each option using the wave equation \( v = f\lambda \) (where \( v \) is speed, \( f \) is frequency, and \( \lambda \) is wavelength) and properties of sound:

1. First Option: From \( v = f\lambda \), if speed \( v \) (in air, at constant conditions) is constant, frequency \( f \) and wavelength \( \lambda \) are inversely related. So as wavelength increases, frequency decreases, not increases. Eliminate this.

1. Second Option: In air (a fixed medium at constant conditions), the speed of sound is constant (depends on temperature, medium, etc., not wavelength). So wavelength does not determine speed—shorter or longer wavelength waves travel at the same speed. Eliminate this.

1. Third Option: The speed of sound in air (at constant temperature, pressure, etc.) is determined by the medium’s properties (e.g., elasticity, density), not frequency. Frequency affects pitch, not speed. This is correct.

1. Fourth Option: Loudness relates to amplitude (energy), not speed. Speed depends on medium, not amplitude. So loud and quiet sounds travel at the same speed. Eliminate this.

Answer:

The frequency of a sound does not affect the speed at which it travels.