The speed of sound in different media at increased temperatures is shown in the table below why does the sound travel the slowest in air
There are several reasons why sound travels slowest in air compared to other media like water or steel.
1. Density: Air is less dense compared to water or steel, which means there are fewer particles per unit volume for the sound waves to travel through. This lower density results in collisions between air molecules that slow down the transmission of sound waves.
2. Temperature: As the temperature of a medium increases, the speed of sound also increases. Air is commonly found at higher temperatures compared to water and steel, which contributes to the slower speed of sound in air.
3. Stiffness: The stiffness of a medium affects how fast sound can travel through it. Air is less stiff compared to water and steel, meaning it is less efficient at transmitting sound waves quickly.
Overall, the combination of lower density, higher temperature, and lower stiffness in air compared to water and steel contributes to the slower speed of sound in air.