Concept:The speed of sound depends on the medium’s elasticity and density. It is highest in solids because they have a large bulk modulus and are less compressible. In general, speed increases from gases to liquids to solids.Explanation:Sound travels faster in solids than in liquids and gases. The bulk modulus of solids is much higher, making them less compressible. The formula v=ργP shows that speed is proportional to the square root of pressure over density, but the key factor is bulk modulus.
Medium
Speed of sound (m/s)
Gases
Air (0° C)
331
Air (20° C)
343
Helium
965
Hydrogen
1284
Liquids
Water
1402
Water
1428
Seawater
1522
Solids
Copper
3560
Steel
5941
Granite
6000
Aluminum
6420
From the table, the speed of sound in steel (5941 m/s) is much greater than in water (≈1402 m/s) and air (≈343 m/s). Sound cannot travel through a vacuum because there are no particles. Thus, among the given options, steel has the maximum speed of sound.Answer:D. steel