In which medium sound travels faster?a)Metalsb)Waterc)Same in all medi...
Sound travels faster in metals because they are tightly packed so that it takes less time to collide to transfer the sound.
In which medium sound travels faster?a)Metalsb)Waterc)Same in all medi...
Answer:
In the given options, the correct answer is option 'A' - Metals. Sound travels faster in metals compared to other mediums such as water, air, or the same medium.
Explanation:
To understand why sound travels faster in metals, we need to consider the properties of sound waves and how they propagate through different mediums.
Speed of Sound:
The speed of sound refers to how fast sound waves travel through a medium. It is determined by the properties of the medium, such as its density, elasticity, and temperature. In general, sound travels faster in denser and more elastic mediums.
Properties of Metals:
Metals have certain properties that make them conducive to the fast propagation of sound waves. Some of these properties include:
1. Density:
Metals are generally denser compared to liquids or gases. The density of a medium affects the speed of sound, with denser materials resulting in faster sound propagation.
2. Elasticity:
Metals possess high elasticity, meaning they can easily deform under stress and return to their original shape. This elasticity allows sound waves to propagate quickly through metals.
3. Atomic Arrangement:
Metals have a regular and closely packed arrangement of atoms, forming a lattice structure. This arrangement allows sound waves to easily pass through the metal lattice, resulting in faster sound transmission.
Comparison with Other Mediums:
Now let's consider the other mediums mentioned in the options:
a) Metals:
As explained above, metals have high density, elasticity, and a regular atomic arrangement, making them conducive to the fast propagation of sound waves. This makes sound travel faster in metals compared to other mediums.
b) Water:
Water is denser than air but less dense than most metals. While sound travels faster in water compared to air, it is still slower than in metals.
c) Same in all Medium:
This option is incorrect because the speed of sound varies depending on the properties of the medium. Sound travels at different speeds in different substances.
d) Air:
Air is less dense and less elastic compared to metals and water. Consequently, sound travels slower in air compared to metals.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, sound travels faster in metals compared to other mediums such as water, air, or the same medium. This is due to the high density, elasticity, and regular atomic arrangement of metals, which facilitate the fast propagation of sound waves.
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