Which statement is true about frequency and medium?

Which statement is true about frequency and medium?

• A. Frequency is determined by the sound source.
• B. Speed of sound is determined by the sound source.
• C. Both frequency and speed are determined by the medium.
• D. Neither frequency nor speed is determined by the source.

Answer: (A)

Frequency is set by how often the source vibrates, so it is determined by the sound source. The speed at which the wave travels depends on the medium’s properties, such as stiffness and density. When a wave moves into a different medium, its frequency stays the same, but its speed changes. Because v = fλ, a change in speed with the same frequency means the wavelength adjusts accordingly. This is why the frequency remains tied to the source while the speed and wavelength reflect the medium.

Frequency is set by how often the source vibrates, so it is determined by the sound source. The speed at which the wave travels depends on the medium’s properties, such as stiffness and density. When a wave moves into a different medium, its frequency stays the same, but its speed changes. Because v = fλ, a change in speed with the same frequency means the wavelength adjusts accordingly. This is why the frequency remains tied to the source while the speed and wavelength reflect the medium.