Which condition would likely result in a slower speed of sound?

The speed of sound is influenced by the medium through which it travels, specifically the temperature of that medium. As temperature decreases, the speed of sound also decreases. This is because lower temperatures result in less energetic molecular motion, causing the molecules to vibrate more slowly. This slower molecular movement means that sound waves have a harder time propagating through the medium, leading to a reduced speed of sound.

In contrast, high humidity, warm temperature, and high pressure would all contribute to a faster speed of sound. Increased humidity adds water vapor to the air, which is less dense than the nitrogen and oxygen that make up the bulk of the atmosphere, allowing sound to travel faster. Warm temperatures allow molecules to move more rapidly, which enhances the speed at which sound can propagate. Similarly, while high pressure increases the density of the medium, it also often leads to higher temperatures, resulting in a quicker transmission of sound. Therefore, it is the cold temperature that directly correlates with a slower speed of sound.