Q. The ratio of the sound in oxygen to that in hydrogen at same temperature and pressure is approximately
A) 16:1
B) 1:16
C) 4:1
D) 1:4
Explanation
(d) According to Laplace, the speed of sound in gas is given by
$v = \sqrt{\frac{\gamma RT}{M}},$
Where γ is ratio of specific heats, M the molecular
weight, R the gas constant and T the temperature,
$\therefore\ \ \frac{v_{o}}{v_{H}} = \sqrt{\frac{M_{H}}{M_{o}}}$
$\therefore\frac{v_{O}}{v_{H}} = \sqrt{\frac{1}{16}} = \frac{1}{4}\ $
$\therefore\ \ \ \ v_{O}:v_{H} = 1:4$
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.