Question

How does the speed of sound change with change in amplitude of the sound waves?
A). No change
B). Decreases with the increase in the amplitude of a sound wave
C). Increases with the increase in the amplitude of a sound wave
D). Data insufficient

Answer 1

Hint: Sound wave is the wave, which is produced due to the vibration of the particles of the medium through which it passes. It is a type of longitudinal wave. A sound wave can be described by 5 characteristics which include wavelength, amplitude, time-period, frequency, and velocity or speed of the wave. These characteristics are applied to all types of waves whether longitudinal, transverse, or electromagnetic. The speed of the sound wave is affected by factors like temperature, pressure, properties of the medium, etc.

Complete step-by-step solution:
The amplitude of a sound wave is defined as the amount of maximum displacement of a vibrating medium from its mean position when the sound was produced. It can also be defined as the distance between trough and crest. The amplitude of the sound wave states the loudness of sound.
The change in amplitude of the sound wave does not affect the speed of the sound wave. The speed of sound can be affected by the properties of the medium through which it is traveling.
Hence, the correct answer is option A i.e. no change.

Note: Change in wavelength of the sound wave has no effect on the speed of sound. As the distance from the source increases, the amplitude of the sound wave decreases. The speed of sound depends on the density of the medium. As the density of the medium increases, the speed of sound decreases. The speed of sound changes when it travels from one medium to another but the frequency usually remains the same.