What describes sound propagation through a vacuum?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $24.99Unlock all

Sharpen your skills for the Davies Publishing SPI Test with targeted flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and clarifications. Prepare thoroughly for success!

Multiple Choice

What describes sound propagation through a vacuum?

Explanation:
Sound is a mechanical wave that needs particles to carry the vibration. A vacuum has no matter, so there are no particles to compress and rarefy, and the pressure variations that we recognize as sound cannot propagate. That’s why sound cannot travel in a vacuum. The other ideas don’t fit because sound in gases is a longitudinal wave that relies on a medium, the speed of sound isn’t a universal constant like the speed of light, and without a medium there’s simply nothing to carry the wave.

Sound is a mechanical wave that needs particles to carry the vibration. A vacuum has no matter, so there are no particles to compress and rarefy, and the pressure variations that we recognize as sound cannot propagate. That’s why sound cannot travel in a vacuum. The other ideas don’t fit because sound in gases is a longitudinal wave that relies on a medium, the speed of sound isn’t a universal constant like the speed of light, and without a medium there’s simply nothing to carry the wave.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy