Question

The velocity of sound is highest in :

• A. air
• B. water
• C. glass
• D. vacuum

Answer 1

The correct option is C

glass

Speed of sound is highest in (C) glass

Explanation of the correct option :

1. Particles in materials like glass are extremely close to one another.
2. The transfer of vibrational energy from one particle to another is much faster.
3. As a result, the speed of sound is greatest in solids.

Explanation for incorrect option :

In option A,

1. Particles in the air are normally relatively widely apart from one another.
2. As a result, energy transfer in the air is the slowest.
3. As a result, the speed of sound in the air is the slowest.

In option B,

1. Particles are closer to each other as compared to the case in air.
2. Speed is four times faster than in the case of air.
3. But the speed is less as compared to the case of solids.

In option D,

1. Sound requires a medium for its propagation.
2. Hence,sound cannot travel in a vacuum

Hence, the correct option is (C) glass.