Speed of Sound Calculator

Air is an ideal gas, the formula for estimating sound speed in air is as follows c = √(γ * R * T / M)

• where, c - the speed of sound in an ideal gas
• R - the molar gas constant, approximately 8.314,5 J · mol−1 · K−1
• γ - the adiabatic index, approximately 1.4 for air
• T - the absolute temperature
• M - the molar mass of the gas. For dry air is about 0.028,964,5 kg/mol

We can simplify the formula by putting the value in the air c_air = 331.3 * √(1 + T/273.15) [m/s] for T in °C

Have you noticed anything intriguing? The speed of sound in a gas is only affected by two constants - R and temperature - and not by air pressure or density, as some people believe. The speed of sound is also affected by air humidity, but the effect is so minor that it can be overlooked.

The most commonly cited value is 1482 m/s (at 20°C); nevertheless, there is no simple formula for the speed of sound in water.

Many writers used experimental data to construct equations, but the equations are difficult and always include higher-order polynomials and a large number of coefficients. The information in our calculator for water speed comes from charts of sound speed in the water. In sonar research and acoustical oceanography, the speed of sound in water is an essential characteristic. However, because the speed of sound changes with salinity, the formula for seawater is significantly more complicated.

For more concepts check out physicscalculatorpro.comto get quick answers by using the free tools available.

Let's see how sound travels in cold water - like very cold water - as a result of winter swimming activities.

• Step 1: Choose whether you want to learn about the speed of sound in water or air. Because we're dealing with water, we'll use the calculator's bottom section.
• Step 2: Choose a temperature unit. Let's take the temperature to degrees Fahrenheit.
• Step 3: Choose your preferred temperature from a drop-down menu. Take this bitterly chilly 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Step 4: The speed of the sound calculator shows a sound speed in water of 4672 feet per second.
• Step 5: Let's compare it to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the temperature of a warm bath. This time, the pace is 4960 feet per second. Remember that you can alter the units of sound speed at any time: mph, ft/s, m/s, km/h, and even knots if necessary.

1. What is the sound speed in kilometres per hour?

The speed of sound at sea level on Earth is 761.2 mph (1,225 km/h) at a temperature of 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius). Sound travels slower in colder air because gas molecules move more slowly at lower temperatures; sound travels quicker through warmer air.

2. What is the speed of sound in a vacuum?

n a vacuum, the speed of sound is zero metres per second since there are no particles present. As a result, the vacuum speed of sound waves will be zero.

3. What time of day does sound travel at its fastest?

The sun heats the earth's surface during the day, warming the air near the ground. Warmer air allows sound to travel faster. As a result, sound travels quicker toward the ground in the air. At night, the situation is reversed.

4. Is the speed of sound affected by the temperature of the air?

Yes, according to Kim Strong, a physics professor at the University of Toronto, sound travels quicker when the air is hotter. At 25 degrees Celsius, sound travels at a speed of 1,246 kilometres per hour.

5. Is it true that all sound travels at the same rate?

The speed of sound does not always remain constant. In solids, sound travels quicker, but in liquids or gases, it travels slower. Two qualities of matter influence the velocity of a sound wave: elastic properties and density.