Multiple choice

In which of the following mediums sound travels at maximum speed?

  1. Air

  2. Vacuum

  3. Steel

  4. Water

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Sound travels fastest in solids (steel: ~5000-6000 m/s) because molecules are tightly packed and interactions are rapid. Speed is slower in liquids (water: ~1500 m/s) and slowest in gases (air: ~340 m/s) due to increasing molecular distances. Sound cannot travel in vacuum as there is no medium.