The data displays the velocity of sound in air, sea water, and steel at a temperature of 21°C.

Question

Air:331
Sea water:1,524
Steel:5,180

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

(1 point)
Responses

The velocity of sound is reduced in sea water because the molecules in sea water are more closely packed and less dense.
The velocity of sound is reduced in sea water because the molecules in sea water are more closely packed and less dense.

The velocity of sound is greater in sea water because the molecules in sea water are more closely packed and denser.
The velocity of sound is greater in sea water because the molecules in sea water are more closely packed and denser.

The velocity of sound is greater in sea water due to the closer proximity and lower density of molecules in sea water.
The velocity of sound is greater in sea water due to the closer proximity and lower density of molecules in sea water.

The velocity of sound is reduced in sea water because the molecules in sea water are more close…

Answer 1

The correct response is:

The velocity of sound is greater in sea water because the molecules in sea water are more closely packed and denser.

This is accurate because, generally, sound travels faster in denser materials, and sea water, being denser than air, allows sound to travel more quickly through it. The velocity of sound in sea water (1,524 m/s) is significantly higher than that in air (331 m/s).