In which medium does sound travel faster?

Solid

The correct answer is option 3. Solid.

Sound is a mechanical wave that travels through a medium by the vibration of particles within that medium. The speed of sound depends on various factors, including the density and elasticity of the medium through which it travels.

In solids, such as metals or dense materials like wood, the particles are closely packed together and have strong intermolecular bonds. When a sound wave travels through a solid, these particles can transmit the mechanical energy of the wave more efficiently. As a result, sound travels faster through solids than through liquids or gases.

In liquids, the particles are less tightly packed than in solids, which means they can transmit sound less effectively. The intermolecular bonds in liquids are weaker than those in solids, leading to slower transmission of sound compared to solids.

In gases, such as air, the particles are even more spread out, and the intermolecular forces are weaker than in liquids and solids. Consequently, sound travels slowest through gases compared to liquids and solids.

In a vacuum, there is no medium for sound to travel through, as it is devoid of particles. Therefore, sound cannot propagate in a vacuum at all.

In summary, sound travels fastest through solids, slower through liquids, even slower through gases, and it cannot travel through a vacuum.