Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the travel of sound waves?

Sound is a mechanical wave that propagates through the vibration of particles in a medium [1]. It travels by creating disturbances, such as compression and rarefaction, which require a physical substance to transmit energy from one location to another [1]. Consequently, sound waves can travel through gases like air, liquids like water, and solids like steel. In fact, sound often travels faster in solids and liquids than in gases due to higher elasticity and density [1]. However, unlike electromagnetic waves such as light, mechanical waves cannot exist without a medium. Because a vacuum is an empty space devoid of particles, there is no matter to vibrate or carry the disturbance. Therefore, sound waves cannot travel through a vacuum, making statement 4 the incorrect one regarding sound propagation.

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