Question

wave speed
medium light wave sound wave
wood 0 km/s 5.000 km/s
water 226,000 km/s 1.480 km/s
helium 299,000 km/s 1.007 km/s
vacuum chamber 300,000 km/s 0 km/s

1. in which medium does light travel through fastest? which state of matter is this?
2. in which medium does light travel the slowest? which state of matter is this?

Explanation:

Step1: Compare light - wave speeds

Compare the light - wave speeds in wood (0 km/s), water (226,000 km/s), helium (299,000 km/s), and vacuum chamber (300,000 km/s).

Step2: Identify the fastest medium

The highest speed is 300,000 km/s in a vacuum chamber. A vacuum is not a state of matter but an empty space.

Step3: Identify the slowest medium

The lowest speed is 0 km/s in wood. Wood is a solid.

Answer:

1. Vacuum Chamber; Not a state of matter
2. Wood; Solid