Let's analyze the data provided and discuss the appropriate conclusion based on this analysis.
### Speed of Sound Data:
- Ice (0 °C): 3200 m/s
- Water (25 °C): 1500 m/s
- Steam (100 °C): 346 m/s
From the data above, we observe that sound travels fastest in ice (solid), slower in water (liquid), and slowest in steam (gas). This indicates that the speed of sound depends significantly on the medium, and it tends to move faster in denser, more tightly packed mediums (solids).
### Speed of Light Data:
- Air (n=1.00): [tex]\(2.99 \times 10^8\)[/tex] m/s
- Water (n=1.33): [tex]\(2.26 \times 10^8\)[/tex] m/s
- Glass (n=1.57): [tex]\(1.91 \times 10^8\)[/tex] m/s
From this data, we note that light travels fastest in air (less dense), slower in water, and slowest in glass (more dense). These speeds are influenced by the medium's refractive index; the higher the refractive index, the slower the speed of light in that medium.
### Analyzing the Conclusions:
1. Light waves always travel the same speed; however, the speed of sound is determined by the medium that it travels through.
- This statement is incorrect because the speed of light also changes based on the medium, as shown in the data.
2. All sound waves always have the same energy, so the temperature of the medium does not affect wave speed.
- This statement is also incorrect. The provided data clearly shows that the speed of sound varies with the medium and temperature.
3. Light needs to vibrate particles, so it travels fastest in tightly packed solids, while sound does not need a medium, so it travels fastest in a gas.
- This is incorrect. The data shows that light travels slower in more tightly packed mediums (solids like glass) and faster in less dense mediums (like air). It also incorrectly states that sound does not need a medium, while in reality, sound needs a medium to travel.
4. Tightly packed particles in solids slow down the light waves; however, sound waves make particles bounce into each other, so they travel faster in solids.
- This conclusion correctly reflects the data:
- Light waves indeed slow down in densely packed solids, as indicated by their slower speeds in water and glass compared to air.
- Sound waves travel faster in solids (like ice) compared to liquids (water) and gases (steam).
Based on the analysis, the most accurate conclusion is:
"Tightly packed particles in solids slow down the light waves; however, sound waves make particles bounce into each other, so they travel faster in solids."
Therefore, the student's most likely conclusion based on the given data is best represented by option 4.
