How does the speed of sound differ in air, water, and steel?

Sound travels at different speeds through different mediums due to variations in their densities and elastic properties. In general, sound travels fastest in solids like steel, with an average speed of 5000 m/s, followed by water at 1500 m/s, and air at 343 m/s. These variations can be explained by the closeness of particles in each medium and how quickly they can transmit vibrations. Understanding these differences is crucial in comprehending the behavior of sound waves and their applications in various fields of science and engineering.