What's the Difference Between the Speed of Sound in Air vs. Water?

Speed of Sound in Air vs. Water

The speed of sound in air is approximately 343 meters per second (m/s), while the speed of sound in water is about 1,480 m/s. This means that sound travels approximately four times faster in water compared to air.

Factors Affecting Speed of Sound

Several factors affect the speed of sound in different mediums, such as temperature, density, and elasticity. In general, sound travels faster in denser and more elastic mediums. Water, being denser and more elastic than air, allows sound waves to travel faster.

Applications in Real Life

The difference in speed of sound between air and water has various practical implications. For example, marine animals like dolphins and whales use sound waves to communicate and navigate underwater due to the faster speed of sound in water. Similarly, sonar technology takes advantage of the speed of sound in water to map the ocean floor and detect underwater objects.