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