How does the speed of sound in the atmosphere vary?

The speed of sound in the atmosphere is primarily influenced by temperature, making the statement about how it changes with temperature correct. As the temperature of the air increases, the molecules within the air move more rapidly, allowing sound waves to travel faster. This relationship is due to the kinetic theory of gases, where the energy and motion of molecules are directly correlated with temperature.

Higher temperatures provide more energy to the air molecules, leading to a quicker transmission of sound. Conversely, at lower temperatures, the molecules have less kinetic energy, slowing down the propagation of sound waves.

While factors like humidity and altitude can influence the speed of sound, temperature is the primary determinant of how sound speed varies in the atmosphere. Humidity can have a minor effect by changing the density of the air, but its influence is secondary compared to the significant impact of temperature changes. The concept of altitude alone does not provide a complete explanation, as sound speed does not decrease uniformly with altitude but rather is closely linked to temperature variations that often accompany changes in altitude.