What effect does the frequency of sound waves have on their speed through a medium?

The speed of sound waves in a medium is determined primarily by the properties of the medium itself, such as its density and elasticity. In general, sound travels faster in denser media and in materials that are more elastic. When considering the characteristics of sound waves, it’s important to note that changes in frequency do not affect the speed at which sound travels through a particular medium.

This is because sound waves travel at a constant speed in a given medium, regardless of whether the frequency is high or low. Therefore, when frequency varies, the speed remains unchanged as long as the medium does not change.

This understanding is fundamental in ultrasound physics, as it relates to how different frequencies can affect factors like resolution and penetration rather than speed. The fact that frequency does not exert an influence on speed underscores the importance of medium properties in acoustic wave propagation.