What happens to the speed of sound in a medium when the bulk modulus of the medium decreases?

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Multiple Choice

What happens to the speed of sound in a medium when the bulk modulus of the medium decreases?

Explanation:
The speed of sound is tied to how stiff a medium is when it’s compressed. Bulk modulus measures that stiffness against compression, while density resists motion. In fluids and gases, the speed of sound follows c = sqrt(B/ρ). So if the bulk modulus B decreases (the medium becomes more easily compressible) and density stays roughly the same, the speed of sound drops. A less stiff medium can’t transmit pressure disturbances as quickly, so the wave travels slower. This isn’t about the speed staying the same, speeding up, or oscillating; it simply slows down with lower bulk modulus.

The speed of sound is tied to how stiff a medium is when it’s compressed. Bulk modulus measures that stiffness against compression, while density resists motion. In fluids and gases, the speed of sound follows c = sqrt(B/ρ). So if the bulk modulus B decreases (the medium becomes more easily compressible) and density stays roughly the same, the speed of sound drops. A less stiff medium can’t transmit pressure disturbances as quickly, so the wave travels slower. This isn’t about the speed staying the same, speeding up, or oscillating; it simply slows down with lower bulk modulus.

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