Chapter 10, Problem 44R

To determine

To explain: why sound travels slower in air at high altitudes than at low altitudes.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The speed of sound in air varies as temperature changes.

The speed of sound in air depends on the temperature, At high altitudes, the air is much colder than at low altitudes. As the temperature increases, the molecules in air move faster as sound wave passes through. Whereas in low altitudes, the molecules in air move slower and hence sound travels with low speed.

Conclusion:

Thus, sound wave travels slower in high altitudes than at low altitudes..