The speed of sound through a medium is dependent on which factors?

The speed of sound through a medium is influenced by both the compressibility and density of that medium. Compressibility refers to the ability of a substance to deform under pressure; in simpler terms, it indicates how much the medium will react when subjected to compressive forces. A medium that is more compressible will allow sound waves to travel more slowly because it deforms more easily under pressure.

Density, on the other hand, is the mass per unit volume of a substance. A medium with higher density generally has more molecules per unit volume, which can facilitate the transfer of sound waves since the molecules are closer together to transmit the vibrations.

In terms of the relationship between these factors and the speed of sound, the formula for the speed of sound (c) in a medium can be expressed as:

c = √(K/ρ)

where K is the bulk modulus (a measure of compressibility) and ρ is the density of the medium. This formula illustrates that both compressibility and density play a crucial role in determining how quickly sound travels through that medium. Thus, the correct answer captures the interplay of these two essential factors in affecting sound speed.

Temperature is also a factor that can affect sound speed, particularly in gases; however, it primarily