How is sound transmitted through different media?

Sound is a mechanical wave that requires a medium such as air, water, or solids to travel. The process of sound transmission occurs through particle vibrations in the medium. When a sound wave propagates, it causes the particles of the medium to oscillate back and forth around their resting positions. This movement creates regions of compression and rarefaction as the sound wave travels, facilitating the transfer of energy from one particle to the next through direct contact.

The effectiveness of sound transmission depends on the physical properties of the medium, including density and elasticity. For example, sound travels faster and more efficiently in solids compared to gases due to closer proximity and stronger intermolecular forces between particles.

In contrast, options related to electric fields, thermal conduction, or radio waves do not describe the mechanisms by which sound waves propagate. Electric fields pertain to electromagnetic phenomena rather than mechanical waves. Thermal conduction is a process of heat transfer, not applicable to sound. Radio waves, while they are a form of electromagnetic radiation, are not involved in the transmission of sound waves.