Sound Travels Fastest In

Sound travels fastest in solids because molecules in solids are closer together, so they can transfer energy faster. Sound waves travel over 17 times faster through steel than through air. However, some exceptional solids are also there.  Sound travels the slowest through gas because the gas molecules are the most distant.

• Sound travels faster in solids than in air, liquids, or vacuums. 
• Sound travels faster in dense media. Solids have a higher density than air, liquids, and vacuums. 
• Sound velocity in vacuum < gas < liquid < solid.