The distance that a sound wave travels through a medium in 1 second is called:

The distance that a sound wave travels through a medium in 1 second is called:

• A. Propagation speed
• B. Wavelength
• C. Frequency
• D. Amplitude

Answer: (D)

Propagation speed describes how far a sound wave travels in a medium in one second—the speed of sound in that medium. This distance-per-time measure depends on the medium’s properties and is what we mean by the wave’s propagation speed. Wavelength is the spatial distance between successive crests, not how far the wave moves per second. Frequency is how many cycles occur each second. Amplitude is the size of the vibration or pressure variation, not the distance traveled per second. So the concept that fits is propagation speed (the speed of sound).

Propagation speed describes how far a sound wave travels in a medium in one second—the speed of sound in that medium. This distance-per-time measure depends on the medium’s properties and is what we mean by the wave’s propagation speed. Wavelength is the spatial distance between successive crests, not how far the wave moves per second. Frequency is how many cycles occur each second. Amplitude is the size of the vibration or pressure variation, not the distance traveled per second. So the concept that fits is propagation speed (the speed of sound).