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Q14.4(c):
Use the formula (v) = (\sqrt{\frac{\gamma P}{\rho}}) to explain why the speed of sound in air increases with humidity.

Solution :

1. Theoretical Foundation and Variable Definition

To determine the effect of humidity on the speed of sound ($v$), we analyze the expression derived from the Laplace correction for the speed of sound in an ideal gas:

$v = \sqrt{\frac{\gamma P}{\rho}}$

  • $\gamma$: Adiabatic index (ratio of specific heats $C_p/C_v$)
  • $P$: Pressure of the gas
  • $\rho$: Density of the gas

[By the Ideal Gas Law: $PV = nRT = \frac{m}{M}RT \implies P = \frac{\rho RT}{M}$, where $M$ is the molar mass]. Substituting this into the speed formula gives:

$v = \sqrt{\frac{\gamma RT}{M}}$

2. Comparative Analysis of Molecular Composition

The core of the problem lies in how the presence of water vapor affects the effective molar mass ($M$) of the air mixture.

Component Molar Mass ($M$)
Dry Air (approx. $N_2$ and $O_2$) $\approx 28.97 \text{ g/mol}$
Water Vapor ($H_2O$) $\approx 18.02 \text{ g/mol}$

[Per Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures], when humidity increases, water vapor molecules displace an equivalent volume of dry air molecules. Because the molar mass of water ($18.02 \text{ g/mol}$) is significantly lower than the average molar mass of dry air ($28.97 \text{ g/mol}$), the net effect of adding humidity is a reduction in the average molar mass ($M_{mix}$) of the air.

3. Mathematical Derivation of Inverse Relationship

Given the relationship $v \propto \frac{1}{\sqrt{M}}$ [Derived from $v = \sqrt{\frac{\gamma RT}{M}}$], we observe the following logic:

  1. Increase in humidity $\implies$ increase in concentration of water vapor molecules.
  2. Replacement of heavier dry air components ($N_2, O_2$) with lighter $H_2O$ molecules reduces the density ($\rho$) and the mean molar mass ($M$) of the medium.
  3. As $M$ decreases, the denominator in the expression $\sqrt{\frac{\gamma RT}{M}}$ becomes smaller.
  4. Consequently, the speed of sound $v$ must increase.

4. Visual Representation of Molecular Density

Dry Air (Higher Density) Humid Air (Lower Density) * Blue denotes H2O (lighter)

5. Conclusion

The speed of sound in air increases with humidity because water vapor has a lower molar mass than dry air. [Applying the relation $v = \sqrt{\frac{\gamma RT}{M}}$], the decrease in the average molar mass ($M$) of the humid air mixture results in a higher velocity for the longitudinal pressure waves compared to the velocity in drier, denser air at the same temperature and pressure.

Final Solution: The speed of sound in air increases with humidity because the displacement of heavier dry air molecules by lighter water vapor molecules decreases the overall density and average molar mass of the air, which, by the relation $v \propto \frac{1}{\sqrt{M}}$, results in an increased speed of sound.


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