Question

A scientist notices that a sound travels faster through a solid material than through the air. Which of the following can explain this?

a) Solid materials have higher density.

b) Solid materials have lower elasticity.

c) Sound travels faster in lighter materials.

d) Air has higher compressibility.

Answer 1

Sound travels faster in solid materials than in air because solid materials have higher density and greater rigidity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speed of sound varies depending on the medium it travels through. The speed of sound is determined by the medium's rigidity and density. Sound travels faster in solid materials than in air because solid materials have higher density and greater rigidity. This means that the particles in solid materials are closer together and less compressible than air, allowing sound waves to propagate faster.