In which medium will a sound wave move more quickly

Question

Chemistry

Kristin Decker

21 October, 23:59

In which medium will a sound wave move more quickly

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Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Eva Weaver · Answer 1

Sound travels more quickly in solids.

Explanation:

That's because it is the collisions of particles that transmit the energy of the sound waves.

In solids, the particles are packed as tightly as they can get. The energy of the collision passes from one particle to another quite rapidly. For example, the speed of sound in steel is about 6000 m/s (22 000 km/h).

The particles in liquids are further apart, so it takes longer for the sound energy to get from one particle to the next. The speed of sound in water is about 1500 m/s (5400 km/h).

The particles in a gas are relatively far apart, so it takes time for one particle to get to another. The speed of sound in air is about 340 m/s (1200 km/h).