Sound speed increases from gas to liquid to solid media

Steps:

• Speed of sound depends on sqrt(elastic modulus / density); gases have low modulus and density.
• In air (gas), v_a ≈ 340 m/s due to weak molecular bonds.
• In water (liquid), v_w ≈ 1500 m/s, higher than air from increased density and modulus.
• In ice (solid), v_i ≈ 3900 m/s, highest from rigid lattice structure.

Why C is correct:

• Solids like ice have higher elastic modulus than liquids like water, so v = sqrt(E/ρ) yields v_i > v_w per wave propagation formula.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Gases have lower modulus than liquids, so v_a < v_w.
• B: While true (v_w > v_a), the correct option per question is C comparing ice and water.
• D: Solids transmit sound faster than liquids due to greater stiffness, so v_w < v_i.

Final answer: C