In which state of matter do waves travel fastest?

Waves travel fastest in solids because the particles in a solid are closely packed together, allowing them to transmit vibrations more efficiently. In solids, the forces between the particles are strong, which means that when one particle vibrates, it quickly transfers that energy to neighboring particles. This efficient transfer of energy results in the fastest wave propagation compared to other states of matter.

In contrast, in liquids and gases, the particles are further apart. While waves can still travel through these states, the energy transfer between particles is less efficient. In gases, the particles are much more spread out than in liquids, causing sound waves, for example, to travel much slower than they do in solids. Though plasma consists of highly charged particles and can conduct energy, it behaves more similarly to gases when considering wave propagation speed.

Thus, the compact structure of solids facilitates the rapid transmission of mechanical waves, making them the medium in which waves travel fastest.