Final answer:
Sound waves move the slowest in cold air compared to corn oil, warm air, and aluminum, due to colder air molecules moving more slowly.
Step-by-step explanation:
In physics, we explore the behavior of sound waves as they travel through different media. The speed of sound depends on the medium's density and elasticity. In general, sound waves move slowest through gases, faster through liquids, and even faster through solids. This is because particles in solids are more closely packed and the material is more rigid, which allows sound waves to travel more quickly.
Considering the choices given:
- Cold air (A) - Sound moves slower in colder air than in warmer air because the air molecules are moving more slowly.
- Corn oil (B) - A liquid medium through which sound travels faster than air.
- Warm air (C) - Sound travels faster in warm air than in cold air due to faster-moving molecules.
- Aluminum (D) - A solid material through which sound travels very quickly due to its density and rigidity.
Therefore, sound waves move the most slowly through option A, cold air.