Question

In which of the following medium speed of the sound is maximum?

• A. Steel
• B. Wood
• C. Water
• D. Air
• E. Helium

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Steel

Speed of sound:

1. The dynamic propagation of sound waves is what determines the speed of sound.
2. This is determined by the characteristics of the medium in which the propagation occurs.
3. The speed of sound in an elastic medium is referred to as the “speed of sound.”
4. Because the molecules in a dense medium are packed tightly together, sound travels quicker. As a result, the speed of sound increases as the density of the medium increases.

The explanation of the correct answer.

In the case of option A,

1. The density of steel is $7,500kg/m^{3}to8,000kg/m^3$
2. Out of all the options given steel has the maximum density and hence the speed of sound in the steel will be higher than in all other given media.

The explanation of the incorrect answer.

In the case of option B,

1. The density of wood is $1.5gramspercc$
2. The density of wood is less than that of steel. Hence the speed of sound in the wood will be lower than in steel.

In the case of option C,

1. The density of water is $997kg/{m^3}_{}$.
2. Liquids have bigger gaps between molecules than solids, but they are smaller than gases.
3. The density of water is less than that of steel. Hence the speed of sound in the water will be lower than in steel.

In the case of option D,

1. The density of air is approximately $1.2754kg/m^3$
2. The density of air is less than that of steel. Hence the speed of sound in the air will be lower than in steel.

In the case of option E,

1. The density of helium is $0.179kg/m^3$
2. The density of helium is less than that of steel. Hence the speed of sound in the helium will be lower than in steel.

Hence, option A is the correct option.