Sound travels fastest in iron at a given temperature because sound travels fastest through solids, and iron is a solid compared to air (a gas) and water (a liquid).
Explanation:
Solids:
Sound waves travel fastest in solids because the particles are tightly packed together, allowing sound waves to propagate quickly through the material.
Liquids:
Sound travels slower in liquids than in solids because the particles are less densely packed.
Gases:
Sound travels slowest in gases, like air, due to the large spaces between particles.
Key points:
Density:
The density of a medium also affects the speed of sound, with denser materials generally allowing sound to travel faster.
Temperature:
While the density plays a role, the primary factor determining the speed of sound in a solid is its elasticity.