GED Science TestPhysical ScienceMedium
A student is investigating how the speed of sound changes in different mediums. They measure the speed of sound in air, water, and steel. Which of the following trends is expected?
- ASpeed of sound is highest in steel, then water, then air.
- BSpeed of sound is highest in steel, then air, then water.
- CSpeed of sound is highest in air, then water, then steel.
- DSpeed of sound is highest in water, then air, then steel.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Speed of sound is highest in steel, then water, then air.
Sound travels fastest through solids, then liquids, and slowest through gases. This is because particles are closer together and more rigidly connected in solids, allowing vibrations to transmit more efficiently.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Incorrect. Sound travels faster in water than in air.
- C. Incorrect. Sound travels slowest in gases.
- D. Incorrect. Sound travels slowest in gases.
Speed of Sound in Media
The speed of sound varies depending on the medium it travels through, generally being faster in denser and more rigid materials.
- Sound travels fastest in solids.
- Sound travels slower in liquids than in solids.
- Sound travels slowest in gases.
Memory trick: Sound loves to zoom through the 'Solid, Liquid, Gas' highway.