Factors Influencing the Speed of Sound
The speed of sound is influenced by several factors, but the nature of the medium through which it travels is the most significant. Here’s an explanation of why the nature of the medium is crucial:
1. Nature of Medium
- The speed of sound varies in different materials. It travels fastest in solids, slower in liquids, and slowest in gases.
- This difference is due to the density and elasticity of the medium. Solids have closely packed particles that can transmit vibrations more efficiently than the loosely packed particles in gases.
2. Humidity
- Humidity affects the speed of sound, but to a lesser degree. In humid air, the presence of water vapor makes the air less dense than dry air, thus slightly increasing the speed of sound.
3. Source of Sound
- The source of sound refers to where the sound originates. While the characteristics of the source (like frequency and amplitude) affect the sound wave, they do not influence the speed of sound itself in a given medium.
4. Temperature
- Temperature also impacts sound speed, especially in gases. Higher temperatures increase the energy of the molecules, allowing sound to travel faster. However, this effect is secondary to the medium's nature.
Conclusion
In summary, while factors like humidity and temperature can affect sound speed, the fundamental property that most influences it is the nature of the medium. Understanding this helps us appreciate why sound travels differently in various environments.

Nature of medium is a correct answer . option C