Because the molecules are closer together they collide more frequently. In general sound travels faster in liquids than in gases and quicker in solids than in liquids. Nondestructive Evaluation Physics Sound Explain why the speed of sound depends on the temperature of the medium. . Molecules that have more motion higher temperature can transfer their vibrations more easily. At the very basics lower temperatures will decrease the speed of sound while higher temperatures will increase the speed of sound all other factors being equal. Frequency of the sound wave changes only when there is a change in the source of the wave and is independent of the rigidity of the material medium. But the speed it can travel through the new medium changes so the distance it moves during one cycle of vibration will also change. Why is this temperature dependence more noticeable in a gas than in a solid or a liquid. Answer 1 of 87. ...