Rank the speed of sound through the following from greatest to least: a. Air b. Steel c. Water
Solution 1R Step 1: The speed of sound is maximum in solid materials. Speed of sound will be less in liquids than solids and the speed of sound is minimum in gases. All these are due to the intermolecular distance of materials. In solids, the molecules will be closely packed and propagation of sound will be faster since the molecules/atoms are situated very near. In liquids, the intermolecular distance will be more while comparing with solids and hence the speed of sound will be less than that of solids. In gases, the intermolecular distance is high and the speed of sound is minized. Conclusion: The speed of sound will be, Steel > Water > Air