Sound travels at ______ speeds through different mediums.

Sound travels at ______ speeds through different mediums.

• A. Same
• B. Different
• C. Equal
• D. Varied

Answer: (B)

Sound speed depends on the medium. How fast a sound wave travels depends on how stiff the material is and how closely its particles are packed. In solids, especially stiff ones, particles transmit vibrations quickly, so sound moves fastest. In liquids, particles are less tightly bound, so sound slows down. In gases, particles are far apart and interactions are weak, so sound travels the slowest. Temperature can also change speed in air—the warmer the air, the faster sound moves. Because these properties differ from one material to another, sound travels at different speeds through different media.

Sound speed depends on the medium. How fast a sound wave travels depends on how stiff the material is and how closely its particles are packed. In solids, especially stiff ones, particles transmit vibrations quickly, so sound moves fastest. In liquids, particles are less tightly bound, so sound slows down. In gases, particles are far apart and interactions are weak, so sound travels the slowest. Temperature can also change speed in air—the warmer the air, the faster sound moves. Because these properties differ from one material to another, sound travels at different speeds through different media.