How will the speed of a sound wave change if the temperature of the medium rises?

Select one of the options below as your answer:
A.
The speed will increase.
B.
The speed will decrease.

C.
The speed will not change.

D.
The speed will initially increase and then return to its earlier value.

Question

How will the speed of a sound wave change if the temperature of the medium rises?

Select one of the options below as your answer:
A.
The speed will increase.
B.
The speed will decrease.

C.
The speed will not change.

D.
The speed will initially increase and then return to its earlier value.

anonymous · Answer

isn't there an equation for the speed of sound dealing with temperature?

anonymous · Answer

dont think so.

anonymous · Answer

Speed = 331 + 0.6*T,
here is what I found, it looks right

anonymous · Answer

http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/sound/u11l2c.cfm

anonymous · Answer

thanks

anonymous · Answer

^_^

anonymous · Answer

More generally and at a higher level, the speed of sound is calculated as$$c = \sqrt{K \over \rho}$$where K is the bulk modulus (or "stiffness") of the material and $\rho$ is the density of the medium in which the pressure wave travels through. 

As we know, hot air is LESS dense than cold air. This is why when we open the freezer door we can feel the air rush out across our toes! 

Since hot air is less dense, we see that the speed of sound increases since K is temperature independent.