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ExamsJEE MainPhysics

The speed of sound in oxygen (O₂) at a certain temperature is 460 m s⁻¹. The speed of sound in helium (He) at the same temperature will be (assume both gases to be ideal)

  1. 1421 m s⁻¹
  2. 500 m s⁻¹
  3. 650 m s⁻¹
  4. 330 m s⁻¹

Correct answer: 1421 m s⁻¹

Solution

The speed of sound in a gas is inversely related to the square root of its molar mass; helium, being much lighter than oxygen, allows sound to travel faster through it, resulting in a significantly higher speed of sound.

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