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ASVAB · Physics

Sound travels fastest through which medium?

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Correct answer

A solid

  1. A A gas
  2. B A vacuum
  3. C A solid
  4. D Sound travels at the same speed everywhere

Why this is the answer

Sound travels FASTEST through SOLIDS (then liquids, then gases — slowest in gases like air). ASVAB General Science/physics covers wave properties. Sound is a mechanical wave requiring a medium; it travels faster when particles are closer together (denser, more tightly bound), so: SOLID > LIQUID > GAS. Sound CANNOT travel through a VACUUM (no particles to transmit it — which is why space is silent). The fact that sound travels fastest in solids and not at all in a vacuum is commonly tested.
Source: ASVAB General Science — Physics, Sound

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About this topic: Physics

Physics questions cover motion, forces, Newton's laws, energy, heat, sound, light and basic electricity. Units and simple relationships (speed = distance ÷ time, F = ma) are tested more than calculation. This is one of 15 General Science questions on physics, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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