Read the following and choose the correct option:
Assertion (A): Sound waves travel faster in steel than in air at the same temperature.
Reason (R): The particles in solids (like steel) are more closely packed and experience stronger intermolecular forces compared to particles in gases (like air), allowing vibrations to be transmitted more efficiently and rapidly.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Answer:
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation
Assertion (A) is true
Sound waves travel faster in solids like steel than in gases like air at the same temperature.
Speed of sound depends on the medium’s properties
It is highest in solids, lower in liquids, and lowest in gases
Reason (R) is also true and correct explanation
In solids, particles are closely packed
They have strong intermolecular forces
Vibrations are transmitted quickly and efficiently
This explains why sound travels faster in steel than in air.
Additional Key Points
Speed of sound in:
Solids → highest
Liquids → moderate
Gases → lowest
Depends on: Density and Elasticity of medium
Example: Steel ≈ 5000 m/s and Air ≈ 343 m/s
Sound cannot travel in vacuum (no medium)
Potential Questions & Answers
Q. Why does sound travel faster in solids?
Ans: Due to closely packed particles and strong intermolecular forces
Q. What factors affect the speed of sound?
Ans: Density and elasticity of the medium