“In which medium does sound propagate the fastest?”

"Sound travels fastest in steel a solid medium due to its high elasticity and density compared to liquids or gases. In solids like steel particles are closely packed allowing sound waves to transfer energy rapidly reaching speeds of approximately 5000–6000 m/s. This contrasts with slower propagation in air (about 343 m/s at 20°C). The principle is fundamental in material science and engineering impacting fields like structural analysis and ultrasonic testing where sound’s behavior in different media informs technological advancements and safety assessments."