Why do sound waves travel faster in liquids than in air?

Answer 1

Sound waves are carried by the disturbing the molecules in particular medium. The molecules bounce off one another, carrying the wave. In solids and liquids, the molecules are close together than in gases. It takes less time for the close molecules to bounce off each other, thus carrying the sound wave faster.

Answer 2

Sound waves are the vibrations of atoms. As the atom moves, it bumps the next atom in line thus moving the sound wave. In air, the atoms are spaced far apart and so the sound loses speed as the atom moves to the next. In liquids and solids, the atoms are so close together, bumping the first atom will result in the last one moving almost instantly. Think of it this way: if you push one marble through a tube, it will take a while to reach the other end. If the tube was full of marbles, the marble nearest the end will exit the tube quickly, like sound waves.

Answer 3

because waves travel faster through denser materials like the above materials.

Answer 4

Particles are closer together, therefore reflect off eachother sooner

due its longitudinal nature

Answer 5

The molecules are more densely packed.