Question

identify which phase of matter would transmit sound waves the fastest, and why?
Responses
A The gas would transmit the fastest because the particles move the fastest.The gas would transmit the fastest because the particles move the fastest.
B The solid would transmit the fastest because the particles are closest together.The solid would transmit the fastest because the particles are closest together.
C The liquid would transmit the fastest because the particles are the most freely moving.The liquid would transmit the fastest because the particles are the most freely moving.
D The gas would transmit the fastest because there are the fewest particles to interfere with the waves.The gas would transmit the fastest because there are the fewest particles to interfere with the waves.

Answer 1

B — the solid would transmit sound the fastest because its particles are closest together and strongly bonded. Sound speed depends on how quickly restoring forces (elasticity or stiffness) transmit a disturbance relative to inertia. Solids have a much higher elastic modulus than liquids or gases, so disturbances travel faster there even though solids are denser. (Example speeds: steel ~5,000 m/s, water ~1,480 m/s, air ~340 m/s.)