Question

When sound passes from one medium to another where its propagation speed is different, does its frequency or wavelength change? Explain your answer briefly.

Short answer

The wavelength of sound changes and frequency remains constant when sound travels from one medium to another medium.

Step-by-step solution

Relationship of speed of sound , wavelength and frequency

The relationship of speed of sound,wavelength and frequency is given by

$v=f\lambda$

Here $v$is the speed of sound , $f$is the frequency of waves and $\lambda$ is its wavelength

How wavelength and frequency change when the speed of sound changes.

The Speed of sound changes when sound travels through mediums, but frequency remains constant and hence, wavelength changes. From the formula written above, if the speed of sound will increase, then wavelength will also increase.