Sound waves are compression or longitudinal waves that travel through matter. Sound travels through all three mediums, solids, liquids, and gases, at different speeds. Which statement BEST explains why sound travels fastest through solids and slowest through gases?

Question

Responses
A It is easier for waves to pass through gases, then liquids, then solids.It is easier for waves to pass through gases, then liquids, then solids.
B Hard surfaces of solids cause sound waves to bounce off more quickly than in gases.Hard surfaces of solids cause sound waves to bounce off more quickly than in gases.
C Tightly-packed molecules of solids vibrate more quickly than loosely-packed gas molecules.Tightly-packed molecules of solids vibrate more quickly than loosely-packed gas molecules.
D Molecules in solids are spread apart while molecules in air are grouped together in clusters

Answer 1

The statement that BEST explains why sound travels fastest through solids and slowest through gases is:

C: Tightly-packed molecules of solids vibrate more quickly than loosely-packed gas molecules.

This is because the closer arrangement of molecules in solids allows for more effective transmission of sound waves, as the energy can be transferred more quickly through the tightly-packed molecules. In contrast, gas molecules are more spread out, making it less efficient for sound to travel through them.