Science Common Sense

1340 - What factors affect the rate of sound transmission?

There are three main factors that affect the rate of sound transmission:

  1. Temperature: Higher temperature means sound travels faster. That's why sound travels faster on hot days than cold days.
  2. Medium (or material): Sound travels fastest through solids (like metal or wood), then liquids (like water), and slowest through gases (like air).
  3. Pressure (or air density): If the air is dense (like at sea level), sound travels faster. If the air is less dense (like at high altitudes), sound travels slower.

These factors can change how fast sound reaches your ears.

PrevHomeNext