Question

The table shows the speed of sound in different mediums.
Medium
Speed of

Sound (m/s)

Air 343
Glass 5,640
Steel 5,940
Water 1,433
The table shows the speed of sound in various media. Which list orders the media from shortest wavelength to longest wavelength for sound waves that pass through them?

(1 point)
Responses

steel, glass, water, air
steel, glass, water, air

air, steel, glass, water
air, steel, glass, water

glass, steel, air, water
glass, steel, air, water

air, water, glass, steel
air, water, glass, steel
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Answer 1

To determine the order of the media from shortest wavelength to longest wavelength for sound waves, we need to understand that the wavelength (\(\lambda\)) of a sound wave is inversely related to the speed of sound (\(v\)) in that medium and the frequency (\(f\)) of the sound wave, as described by the formula:

\[
\lambda = \frac{v}{f}
\]

Assuming the frequency is the same for sound waves passing through different media, the wavelength will be longer in the media with lower speeds of sound.

Here are the speeds of sound in the given media:

- Air: 343 m/s
- Water: 1,433 m/s
- Glass: 5,640 m/s
- Steel: 5,940 m/s

Now arranging from shortest wavelength (highest speed) to longest wavelength (lowest speed):

1. Steel (5,940 m/s)
2. Glass (5,640 m/s)
3. Water (1,433 m/s)
4. Air (343 m/s)

So the order from shortest wavelength to longest wavelength is:

**steel, glass, water, air**

The correct response is:
**steel, glass, water, air**.