Question

Based on the images seen here, 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 fastest because its particles are closest together and more strongly bound, so vibrations pass along more quickly. (Sound speed scales roughly with sqrt(stiffness/density); solids have much higher stiffness than liquids or gases, so despite higher density their stiffness wins. E.g. air ≈343 m/s, water ≈1480 m/s, steel ≈5960 m/s.)