Which Medium Does Sound Travel the Slowest

As a rule sound travels slowest through gases, faster through liquids, and fastest through solids. The speed of light as it travels through air and space is much faster than that of sound; it travels at 300 million meters per second or 273,400 miles per hour.

What is the slowest medium for sound?

Sound travels at different speeds depending on what it is traveling through. Of the three mediums (gas, liquid, and solid) sound waves travel the slowest through gases, faster through liquids, and fastest through solids. Temperature also affects the speed of sound.

In what medium does sound travel the fastest slowest Why?

Sound travels faster in denser mediums. Thus, it travels faster through a solid than in a liquid while it travels the slowest through gases. (Vacuum is out of question). Therefore, sound waves travel the fastest through solid media.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

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