Question

1. what type of wave travels fastest in space? why?

part b: mechanical waves

media	solid	liquid	gas
mechanical wave speed	765 m/s	342 m/s	89 m/s

1. based on the above chart, in which medium do sound waves travel the fastest?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall wave - types in space

In space, there is a vacuum. Mechanical waves require a medium to travel, while electromagnetic waves can travel in a vacuum.

Step2: Analyze wave - speed in vacuum

Electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light ($c = 3\times10^{8}\ m/s$) in a vacuum. Since mechanical waves cannot travel in a vacuum, electromagnetic waves are the only waves that can travel in space and they travel at the fastest speed possible in space.

Step3: Analyze sound wave speed from the table

Sound is a mechanical wave. From the table, the speed of mechanical waves in solids is 765 m/s, in liquids is 342 m/s and in gases is 89 m/s. So, sound waves travel the fastest in solids.

Answer:

1. Electromagnetic waves travel fastest in space because they can travel in a vacuum at the speed of light ($3\times10^{8}\ m/s$) and mechanical waves cannot travel in a vacuum.
2. Sound waves travel the fastest in solids.