Which of the following materials would conduct sound waves fastest?

Question

water, because it is a liquid
air, because it is a gas
lead, because it is a heavy, dense metal
aluminum, because it is a lightweight metal

Answer 1

Lead, because it is a heavy, dense metal. The speed of sound through a medium is dependent on the medium's density and elasticity. Dense materials conduct sound waves faster because sound waves propagate faster through tightly packed particles. Therefore, lead has a higher density than the other materials listed and would conduct sound waves faster.