The data shows the speed of sound through air and water from the sea at 21°C.

Question

How does the speed of sound compare in sea water to the speed of sound in air?

(1 point)
Responses

The speed of sound is slower in sea water because the molecules in sea water are farther from each other and more dense.
The speed of sound is slower in sea water because the molecules in sea water are farther from each other and more dense.

The speed of sound is faster in sea water because the molecules in sea water are farther from each other and less dense.
The speed of sound is faster in sea water because the molecules in sea water are farther from each other and less dense.

The speed of sound is slower in sea water because the molecules in sea water are closer to each other and less dense.
The speed of sound is slower in sea water because the molecules in sea water are closer to each other and less dense.

The speed of sound is faster in sea water because the molecules in sea wat

Answer 1

The correct response is:

The speed of sound is faster in sea water because the molecules in sea water are closer to each other and more dense.

Sound travels faster in liquids than in gases due to the closer arrangement of molecules in liquids, which facilitates the transfer of sound energy. While water is denser than air, the closer proximity of water molecules compared to air molecules is what primarily contributes to the increased speed of sound in water.