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Academic session 2026-27, Chapter 14 in the current curriculum.
Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics - Chapter Waves. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 4:
Use the formula v = √ γP/ρ to explain why the speed of sound in air (a) is independent of pressure, (b) increases with temperature, (c) increases with humidity.
. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.Use the formula v = √ γP/ρ to explain why the speed of sound in air (a) is independent of pressure, (b) increases with temperature, (c) increases with humidity.
(a) Take the relation:
v = √ γP/ρ .... (i)
where density, ρ = Mass / Volume = M / V
Hense eqation one reduces to:
v = √ γPV/M ....(ii)
Now from the ideal gas equation for n = 1:
PV = RT
For constant T, PV = Constant
Since both M and γ are constants, v = Constant
Hence, at a constant temperature, the speed of sound in a gaseous medium is independent of the change in the pressure of the gas.
(b) Take the relation:
v = √ γP/ρ .... (i)
For one mole of an ideal gas, the gas equation can be written as:
PV = RT
P = RT / V … (ii)
Substituting equation (ii) in equation (i), we get:
v = √ γRT / Vρ = √γRT / M ....(iii)
Where, Mass, M = ρV is a constant
γ and R are also constants
We conclude from equation (iii) that v ∝ √T
Hence, the speed of sound in a gas is directly proportional to the square root of the temperature of the gaseous medium, i.e., the speed of the sound increases with an increase in the temperature of the gaseous medium and vice versa.
(c) Let Vm and Vd be the speeds of sound in moist air and dry air respectively.
Let ρm and ρd be the densities of moist air and dry air respectively.
Take the relation:
v = √ γP/ρ
Hence, the speed of sound in moist air is:
vm = √ γP/ρm .....(i)
And the speed of sound in dry air is:
vd = √ γP/ρd .....(ii)
On dividing equations (i) and (ii), we get:

However, the presence of water vapour reduces the density of air, i.e.,
ρd < ρm
therefore, Vm > Vd
Hence, the speed of sound in moist air is greater than it is in dry air. Thus, in a gaseous medium, the speed of sound increases with humidity.
NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:
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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Physics - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 1 , Question 4: Use the formula v = √ γP/ρ to explain why the speed of sound in air (a) is ind....
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