Speed of sound is maximum in-

The correct answer is Solids.Key Points

• Concept:
  • The speed of the sound depends on the density of the medium through which it is travelling.
  • The particles in the solid medium are closely packed. Hence, the density is high. Information from one molecule to another molecule travels faster in the solid medium.
  • In liquid, the molecules are farther apart than in solids. Hence, the density is low for liquids.
  • In gas, the molecules are very loosely dispersed. The speed of the sound wave will be maximum in steel. 
• Explanation:
  • Sound is a mechanical wave that needs a medium to travel.
  • The speed of sound is maximum in solid, then it is in liquid and it is the slowest in gases.
  • The speed of sound remains almost the same for all frequencies in a given medium under the same physical conditions.
• Notes:
  • The velocity of sound waves in air is 330 m/s. 
  • The velocity of sound waves in steel is 5920 m/s. 
  • The velocity of sound waves in a vacuum is zero. 
  • The velocity of sound waves in water is 1480 m/s.