Which of the following media allow the transmission of sound waves through them? I. air II. liquid III. solids

1. Analyze the question

The question asks us to identify which of the listed media (air, liquid, and solids) can transmit sound waves.

2. Explain the concept

Sound is a mechanical wave. Unlike light, which can travel through a vacuum, mechanical waves require a material medium to propagate.

Sound travels by the vibration of particles. When a sound source vibrates, it causes the particles of the medium around it to vibrate. These particles then collide with their neighbors, transferring the energy of the wave forward.

• Solids: Particles are very close together, making it the fastest medium for sound transmission.
• Liquids: Particles are closer than in gases, allowing sound to travel faster than in air.
• Gases (like air): Particles are further apart, making it the slowest medium for sound transmission, but it still allows for the movement of sound waves.

Since sound requires a medium to travel, it can pass through any state of matter (solid, liquid, or gas) as long as particles are present to carry the vibration.

3. Show the solution

• I. Air (Gas): Sound travels through air (e.g., hearing someone speak).
• II. Liquid: Sound travels through liquids (e.g., whales communicating underwater).
• III. Solids: Sound travels through solids (e.g., placing your ear against a wall to hear a sound on the other side).

Since sound waves can travel through all three states of matter, all the listed options are correct.

4. Identify the answer

The correct option is D, which includes I, II, and III.

5. Exam Tip

Remember the acronym "S-L-G" (Solid, Liquid, Gas). Sound travels fastest in solids and slowest in gases. A common JAMB trick is to ask where sound cannot travel; the answer is always a vacuum (like outer space) because there are no particles to vibrate!