Question

Which of the following would not increase the velocity of a sound wave in air? A. lowering the humidity of the air. B. increasing the temperature of the air. C. increasing the wind speed in the direction the wave is traveling. D. lowering the density of the air

Answer 1

Answer:

Lowering the humidity of the air.

Explanation:

The mathematical formula for the speed of sound wave is given by :

$v=\sqrt{\dfrac{\gamma RT}{M}}$

Where

$\gamma$ is the adiabatic constant

T is the temperature of air

M is the molecular mass of the gas

or

$v=\sqrt{\dfrac{B}{\rho}}$

B is the bulk modulus

$\rho$ is the density of the air

As the humidity of the air increases, then the number of water molecules increase. As a result, molar mass decreases and ultimately the speed of sound increases and vice versa.

So, the correct option is (A) " lowering the humidity of the air ". Hence, this is the required solution.

Answer 2

A. Lowering the humidity of the air.

Hope this helps!