Why does sound travel faster in denser materials?

Sound travels faster in denser materials primarily because there are more particles available to transmit the sound waves. In a denser medium—like solids as compared to gases—particles are packed closer together. This close arrangement allows the vibrations that create sound to be transferred more efficiently from one particle to the next.

When sound waves propagate, they do so through the vibration of particles. In denser materials, once a particle vibrates, it quickly transfers this energy to its neighboring particles, which are also packed tightly. This rapid transfer of energy and the ease with which particles can move in response to these vibrations contribute to a faster transmission of sound.

In contrast, in less dense materials, such as gases, the particles are spread further apart, making it more difficult for the vibrations to travel effectively. The presence of more particles in denser materials enhances the overall ability of sound waves to travel quickly through that medium.