Through which of the following mediums will sound travel fastest, at the indicated temperature?

Sound travels fastest through solids because the molecules are more closely packed together compared to liquids and gases, allowing sound waves, which are mechanical waves, to transmit energy more efficiently. In the comparison of the provided mediums, steel is a solid and has a densely packed atomic structure, which facilitates quicker transmission of sound when compared to the other options.

The speed of sound in steel is significantly higher than in water, air, or wood due to the rigidity and density of the material. At the given temperature, steel allows sound to propagate with minimal energy loss, making it the fastest medium for sound transmission among the options listed.

In contrast, air at 0º C has a low density and significant spacing between molecules, leading to slower sound speeds. Water, while denser than air, still does not match the speed found in steel due to its liquid state. Similarly, wood, although a solid, has a complex structure that can introduce variations in sound speed based on its grain and moisture content, which typically results in a slower transmission speed than that of steel.