When two sound beams with different frequencies travel through the same medium, how does their speed compare?

Prepare for the SPI Ultrasound Test with comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Equip yourself for the exam!

In a given medium, the speed of sound is determined primarily by the properties of the medium itself, such as its density and elasticity, rather than by the frequency of the sound waves. Therefore, when two sound beams with different frequencies travel through the same medium, they will both travel at the same speed regardless of their frequency. This principle is foundational in acoustics and is a reflection of how sound waves propagate.

While the wavelengths of the two sound beams may differ—since wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency (lower frequency results in a longer wavelength and higher frequency results in a shorter wavelength)—the actual speed of sound remains constant in that medium. This understanding helps in various applications in ultrasound, as it emphasizes that changes in frequency do not affect the travel speed of the sound waves.

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