The velocities of sound at the same temperature in two monoatomic gases of densities $\rho_1$ and $\rho_2$…

The velocities of sound at the same temperature in two monoatomic gases of densities $\rho_1$ and $\rho_2$ are $v_1$ and $v_2$ respectively. If $\rho_1 / \rho_2=4$, then the value of $v_1 / v_2$ is
  1. $1 / 4$
  2. 2
  3. $1 / 2$
  4. 4.

Solution

Velocity of sound in the gas of density $\rho_1$ is $v_1$ and velocity of sound in the gas of density $\rho_2$ is $v_2$. Velocity of sound in gas, $v=\sqrt{\frac{\gamma P}{\rho}} \propto \sqrt{\frac{1}{\rho}}$. Therefore $\frac{v_1}{v_2}=\sqrt{\frac{\rho_2}{\rho_1}}=\sqrt{\frac{1}{4}}=\frac{1}{2}$.

Asked in: NEET 2009 (Mains)

Practice more Waves and Sound questions on Aicharya