Answer:
b: Steel
Explanation:
The velocity of a sound wave depends on the medium through which it travels. Generally, sound travels faster in solids than in liquids, and faster in liquids than in gases. This is because the particles in solids are much closer together compared to those in liquids and gases, allowing sound waves to transmit more quickly.
Here are the approximate velocities of sound in the given mediums:
- Lead: About 1210 m/s
- Steel: About 5000 m/s
- Water: About 1482 m/s
- Air*: About 343 m/s (at room temperature)
Given these values, the velocity of sound is greatest in steel.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
b) steel