Sound travels the slowest in _________

Options

A. gases
B. Solids
C. liquid
D. Oil

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Sound Propagation**: Sound is a mechanical wave that requires a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel through. The speed of sound varies depending on the type of medium.

2. **Identifying Types of Mediums**: The three main types of mediums are:
- Solids
- Liquids
- Gases

3. **Molecular Arrangement**:
- In solids, molecules are closely packed together, allowing vibrations to transfer quickly from one molecule to another.
- In liquids, molecules are less tightly packed than in solids, which slows down the transfer of vibrations.
- In gases, molecules are far apart and move randomly, making it the least efficient medium for sound propagation.

4. **Comparing Speeds**:
- Since sound travels fastest in solids due to the close proximity of molecules, it travels slower in liquids, and the slowest in gases because of the large distances between molecules.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the arrangement and behavior of molecules in different mediums, sound travels the slowest in gases.

**Final Answer**: Sound travels the slowest in **gases**.

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