Speed of sound is maximum in-

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WBCS Prelims 2020 Official Paper
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  1. Vaccum
  2. Gases
  3. Liquids
  4. Solids

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Option 4 : Solids
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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. 
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