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Is Matter Around Us Pure

Question
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In which of the three media, air, water or iron, does sound travel the fastest at a particular temperature?

Solution

In different media, the sound of speed is different. The speed of sound depends on the density and volume of the medium. Elasticity of solids is much greater than that of liquids which in turn, is greater than that of gases. Therefore, sound travels fastest through solids and slowest through gases. 

The speeds of sound in various media at 25°C are listed in the below table. 

Table: Speed of sound in different media at 25°C

State

Substance

Speed in ms–1

Solids

Aluminium

6420

 

Nickel

6040

Steel

5960

Iron

5950

Brass

4700

Glass (Flint)

3980

Liquids

Water (Sea)

1531

 

Water (distilled)

1498

Ethanol

1207

Methanol

1103

Gases

Hydrogen

1284

 

Helium

965

Air

346

Oxygen

316

Sulphur dioxide

213