In which of the three media, air, water or iron, does sound travel the fastest at a particular temperature?

In terms of the speed at which sound waves travel through different media at a particular temperature, the hierarchy is as follows:

1. Air: Sound waves move relatively slower through air compared to other media. At typical room temperature, the speed of sound in dry air at sea level is approximately 343 meters per second (m/s).

2. Water: Sound waves travel faster in water than in air. In water, the speed of sound at room temperature is about 1482 meters per second, significantly quicker than in air.

3. Iron (Solid): Sound waves propagate most rapidly through solids. In materials like iron, the speed of sound is notably higher compared to air and water. In iron, the speed of sound can reach approximately 5120 meters per second, making it substantially faster than in air and water.

Therefore, at a given temperature, sound waves travel the fastest through iron among the three media—air, water, and iron. This enhanced speed of sound in solids like iron is due to the tighter arrangement of particles and stronger intermolecular forces, allowing for quicker transmission of mechanical vibrations compared to liquids and gases.