In which medium does sound travel fastest?

Last Updated: 25 Jun 2026

Here, the relevant answer is “Steel.” A sound solution relies on the governing concept rather than a memorised option letter, because option order may change in another paper. The distractors in this question—Air, Water, Vacuum—do not satisfy the exact condition stated. Students should therefore read every qualifier, including words such as “always,” “at infinity,” “in vacuum,” “per unit,” and “directly proportional.” Such words often decide the correct option. The final selection must agree with the explanation and marked answer: Steel.

AAir

BWater

CSteel

DVacuum

Correct Answer: SteelYour Answer: C

Explanation

— the scientifically appropriate response is Steel. Option-wise review: Steel is correct under the condition given in the stem. Air is incorrect because it describes a different quantity or phenomenon and does not meet the stated condition. Water is also incorrect; although it may be a valid physics term, its definition or application is not the one asked here. Vacuum is incorrect because it fails the governing relation or characteristic relevant to this case. Therefore, option C, Steel, is factually and logically consistent with the question. Sound travels fastest in solids (steel) because the molecules are closely packed.

Important Notes

Read the complete stem before looking at the options. Identify whether the demand is a definition, unit, formula, direction, cause, effect, image characteristic, or device principle. In this record, the confirmed answer is Steel.
Physics answers are condition-dependent. The same lens, force, circuit, wave, or thermodynamic system can behave differently when distance, medium, temperature, direction, or boundary conditions change. Preserve every qualifier in the question.
Learn each concept as a five-part card: definition; common symbol; SI unit; principal equation; and one real-life application. This works for mechanics, heat, optics, sound, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.
Eliminate Air, Water, Vacuum here because none fulfils the exact requirement of the stem. The final answer and correct-index field must point to option C.
Exam memory point: connect Steel directly with the key wording of the question, then verify it once against the relevant definition or formula before marking the answer.Speed in steel ≈ 5100 m/s

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FAQ

SSC CGL Physics FAQs

Common questions and clear answers for this topic.

How many physics questions usually appear in the SSC CGL exam?

Physics typically makes up a small portion of the General Science questions, usually focused on concepts rather than numerical problems.

Which physics topics are most important for SSC CGL?

Basic mechanics, heat, sound and light, and electricity and magnetism are the areas that come up most consistently across previous papers.

Do I need to solve numerical problems for SSC CGL physics?

Rarely. Most questions are conceptual and test everyday understanding rather than calculation skills.

Is NCERT physics enough for SSC CGL preparation?

NCERT textbooks from classes 9 and 10 build a strong enough conceptual base for most of what SSC CGL asks.

How can I make physics concepts easier to remember for SSC CGL?

Connecting concepts to everyday observations, like why a thermos keeps tea warm, makes them far easier to recall than memorizing definitions.

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