When calculating the speed of sound, what is a primary factor that influences it?

The speed of sound is significantly influenced by the temperature of the medium through which it travels. As the temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the particles in the medium also increases, leading to more rapid vibrations and collisions between those particles. This heightened activity allows sound waves to propagate more quickly. Essentially, warmer air or any medium facilitates faster transmission of sound compared to colder conditions.

While density, pressure, and humidity can also play roles in affecting the speed of sound, temperature is the primary and most impactful factor. For instance, although increasing pressure in a gas at a constant temperature does not significantly change the speed of sound, the temperature directly alters the speed due to the change in kinetic energy of the molecules. Therefore, the primary influence on the speed of sound in a medium is indeed its temperature.