In which of the following media would sound wave travel fastest?
Answer Details
The speed of sound waves is affected by the density and elasticity of the medium through which they travel. In general, sound waves travel faster in denser and more elastic materials.
Among the options provided, iron is the densest and most elastic material, followed by mercury, water, and wood in decreasing order of density and elasticity. Therefore, sound waves would travel fastest in iron, followed by mercury, water, and wood.
Hence, the correct answer is: iron.