At what temperature does sound travel fastest in air?

Prepare for the FAA Aviation Physics Test with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Access exam tips and practice materials to ace your test!

Sound travels fastest in air at higher temperatures because sound waves are transmitted through the vibration of air molecules. As the temperature increases, the average kinetic energy of the air molecules also increases, which means they move more quickly. This increased speed of molecular movement allows sound waves to propagate faster through the medium, as the molecules can transfer the vibrational energy more efficiently.

At 100 degrees Celsius, air molecules are moving significantly faster than at lower temperatures, resulting in an increased speed of sound compared to 0, 20, or 30 degrees Celsius. The relationship between temperature and the speed of sound in air can be described by the equation that accounts for the temperature in degrees Kelvin, emphasizing that as temperature rises, so does the speed of sound. Therefore, the fastest travel of sound in air occurs at 100 degrees Celsius.

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