The velocity of sound in a material is primarily dependent on?

The velocity of sound in a material is indeed primarily dependent on material properties. This is because the speed at which sound waves travel through a medium is influenced by characteristics such as density, elasticity, and temperature of that material.

For instance, in solids, sound travels faster in materials with higher stiffness or elasticity and lower density. This relationship means that as materials vary in their intrinsic properties, the velocity of sound will change accordingly. In contrast, frequency and wavelength are related concepts that depend on the velocity of sound itself, rather than being determinants of that speed. Vibration cycles pertain to the motion of the waves rather than influencing how quickly sound travels through different substances. Thus, understanding the link between sound velocity and material properties is crucial for applications in nondestructive testing and other fields.