Here's why:
* Gases: The molecules in a gas are far apart, meaning the electromagnetic wave encounters less resistance as it passes through.
* Liquids: Molecules are closer together in liquids than gases, so the wave encounters more resistance and travels slower.
* Solids: Molecules in a solid are packed tightly, offering the most resistance to the electromagnetic wave's passage, resulting in the slowest speed.
Important Note: The speed of light in a vacuum is the fastest possible speed for any electromagnetic wave. The speeds mentioned above are relative to the speed of light in a vacuum.
