Speed of Sound (KE vs IF)

Thread starter Synapsis
Start date Jun 16, 2013

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Synapsis

Full Member

10+ Year Member

Jun 16, 2013

Members don't see this ad.

Just a quick thing. I understand speed of sound increases as you go from gas to solid, given that solids have more intermolecular forces allowing for faster propagation of the wave. I also get that kinetic energy increases speed of propagation, giving a faster traveling sound wave. But as far as putting these two together, I'm a little confused. Gas molecules have higher kinetic energy, but less intermolecular forces. Does this just mean intermolecular forces have a higher contribution to speed of sound than kinetic energy of molecules?