The velocity of sound is greatest in___________________?
Correct answer: C. copper
- A. Water
- B. air
- C. copper
- D. ammonia
Explanation
Sound travels fastest in copper because its particles are closely packed and the material has a high elastic modulus, allowing vibrations to be transmitted rapidly. Sound generally travels faster in solids than in liquids and gases. The likely mistake is choosing water because it carries sound faster than air, but copper is faster still.
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About Speed of Sound
The speed of sound depends on the properties of the medium, including its elasticity and density, and in gases it varies mainly with temperature. Questions connect speed with frequency and wavelength, compare sound in solids, liquids and gases, and distinguish the speed of propagation from the oscillating particles' motion.
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