Through which medium do sound waves travel fastest?

Sound waves travel fastest in solids compared to liquids and gases due to the close proximity of molecules in solids, which allows for quicker transfer of energy. In a solid, such as a solid wood table, the molecules are tightly packed together, facilitating rapid vibrations that constitute sound waves.

This phenomenon occurs because sound is a mechanical wave that relies on particle interaction to propagate. The denser the medium, and the more closely packed the molecules are, the faster the sound can travel. In contrast, sound waves travel more slowly in liquids than in solids, and even slower in gases like air, due to the larger spaces between particles in those mediums. Therefore, among the options provided, a solid wood table is the medium through which sound waves will travel the fastest.