Some common mediums in which speed of sound waves is measured are mentioned below: 1. Air 2. Steel 3. Copper 4. Water What is the correct increasing order of the speed of sound?

The speed of sound depends on the medium's state, generally traveling fastest in solids, followed by liquids, and slowest in gases [t1][t5]. This is because solids have higher elasticity and a more rigid structure, allowing them to respond more rapidly to disturbances [c1][t9]. Among the given mediums, Air (gas) has the lowest speed at approximately 343-346 m/s [t2][t4]. Water (liquid) follows with a speed of about 1433-1482 m/s [t2]. In solids, the speed is significantly higher. While both are metals, the speed of sound in Steel (approx. 5960 m/s) is higher than in Copper (approx. 3750-4700 m/s) due to differences in Young's modulus and density [t5][t9]. Therefore, the correct increasing order is Air < Water < Copper < Steel (1 < 4 < 3 < 2).

Sources

1. [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 5: Earths Magnetic Field (Geomagnetic Field) > Why Do Sound Waves Travel Faster In A Denser Medium Whereas Light Travels Slower? > p. 64