Which one of the following statements is correct ?

The speed of sound in a medium is fundamentally determined by two physical properties: its elastic property and its inertial property. The elastic property, represented by the bulk modulus (B) for fluids or Young's modulus (Y) for solids, reflects the medium's ability to resist deformation and return to its original state. The inertial property is represented by the mass density (ρ) of the medium. The general formula for the velocity of sound is v = √(elastic property / inertial property). While higher elasticity generally increases sound speed, higher density (inertia) tends to decrease it, though these factors often change together in different materials [3]. For instance, sound travels faster in solids than in gases because the significant increase in elasticity (stiffness) in solids outweighs the increase in density [2]. Therefore, both properties are essential in determining the wave's propagation speed.

Sources

1. [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 5: Earths Magnetic Field (Geomagnetic Field) > Why Do Sound Waves Travel Faster In A Denser Medium Whereas Light Travels Slower? > p. 64
2. [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 4: Earths Interior > Seismic Waves > p. 58
3. [2] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 4: Earths Interior > Primary Waves (P-Waves) > p. 60