In which of the following media will sound travel the fastest?

Options

A. Solid
B. Both solid and liquid
C. Liquid
D. Gas

Answer

To determine in which medium sound travels the fastest, we need to consider the properties of the mediums provided. The speed of sound is influenced primarily by the density and elasticity of the medium through which it travels.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Nature of Sound Waves**:
Sound is a mechanical wave that propagates through a medium due to the vibration of particles. The speed of sound depends on how closely the particles of the medium are packed together.

2. **Identify the Factors Affecting Sound Speed**:
The speed of sound is directly proportional to the density and elasticity of the medium. The closer the particles are to each other, the faster sound can travel because the vibrations can be transmitted more quickly.

3. **Compare Different Media**:
- **Solids**: In solids, particles are tightly packed together, which allows sound to travel very quickly.
- **Liquids**: In liquids, particles are less tightly packed than in solids, so sound travels slower than in solids but faster than in gases.
- **Gases**: In gases, particles are far apart, which means sound travels the slowest compared to solids and liquids.

4. **Conclusion**:
Based on the comparison of the three states of matter, sound travels fastest in solids due to their high density and close particle arrangement. Therefore, the correct answer is **solid**.

### Final Answer:
Sound travels the fastest in **solids**.