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2 April, 02:27

Holding temperature constant, how does molecular weight of a gas affects speed of sound?

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  1. 2 April, 02:35
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    Answer: If molecular weight is increased the sound speed will decrease

    Explanation: The sound speed in an ideal gas is given by the relationship

    v = √ ((γRT) / M)

    When,

    R - gas constant = 8.314 J/mol⋅K;

    T - the total temperature

    M - the molar mass of gas in kg/mol

    γ = adiabatic constant of specific gas.

    this equation can also be explained as

    v2 = ((γRT) / M)

    So, when T is constant, V squared is inversely proportional to M

    Let us use example as an illustrate

    assuming that

    1st (γRT) = 2 and M = 5

    V will be

    v2=2/5=0.4=0.632

    2nd (γRT) = 2 and M = 10 (notice that we have increased M)

    thus

    v2=2/10=0.2=0.447

    inconclusion, if you increase M (molecular weight) the speed of sound will decrease
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