Book 14, Question 88
Why Is Sound a Little Faster on a Hot Day?
Sound is a little faster on a hot day because warm particles move faster! They bump into each other more quickly. So the bumps get passed along sooner, even though you cannot see it.
More fun facts
- Sound moves by air molecules bumping into each other.
- On a hot day, air molecules are already moving faster.
- Faster molecules bump into each other more quickly as a sound wave passes.
- So sound travels faster in warm air and slower in cold air.
- Humidity and air pressure can also change the speed of sound.
Sources: Smithsonian, Smithsonian
Questions kids ask
Is sound faster in summer or in winter?
Sound travels faster in warm air and slower in cold air, because warm air molecules are already moving faster.