Sound waves travel faster in denser media. In general, the speed of sound is highest in solids, followed by liquids, and slowest in gases. This is because the molecules in solids are more closely packed together than in liquids or gases, allowing sound waves to transfer energy more quickly.
For example:
- In air (a gas), sound travels at approximately 343 meters per second at room temperature.
- In water (a liquid), sound travels at about 1,480 meters per second.
- In steel (a solid), sound can travel at approximately 5,960 meters per second.
Therefore, sound waves travel faster in solids than in liquids and gases.