Speed of Sound Calculator
Calculate sound speed in air and water based on temperature with accurate physics formulas
Calculate Speed of Sound
Temperature in air: 20.0°C / 68.0°F / 293.1K
Speed of Sound Results
Formula used: c = 331.3 × √(1 + T/273.15)
Temperature: 20.0°C (68.0°F)
Effect: Normal temperature range
Temperature Effects
Example: Room Temperature Air
Given Information
Medium: Air
Temperature: 20°C (68°F)
Formula: c = 331.3 × √(1 + T/273.15)
Calculation
c = 331.3 × √(1 + 20/273.15)
c = 331.3 × √(1 + 0.0732)
c = 331.3 × √1.0732
c = 331.3 × 1.0358
c = 343.1 m/s
Result Interpretation
At room temperature (20°C), sound travels at 343.1 m/s in air, which is the standard reference speed used in many acoustic calculations.
Speed Comparison
Air (20°C)
343 m/s
Temperature dependent
Water (20°C)
1481 m/s
~4.3× faster than air
Steel
~5960 m/s
~17× faster than air
Factors Affecting Speed
Temperature
Higher temperature = faster sound
Density
Denser medium = faster sound (solids)
Elasticity
More elastic = faster sound
Pressure (Air)
No significant effect at constant temp
Formula Reference
Air
c = 331.3√(1 + T/273.15)
T in Celsius
Water
Empirical polynomial formula
Based on experimental data
General
v = √(E/ρ)
E = elasticity, ρ = density
Understanding Sound Speed Physics
What Determines Sound Speed?
Sound speed depends on the medium's properties. In gases like air, temperature is the primary factor. In liquids and solids, both density and elasticity play crucial roles.
Temperature Effect
- •Higher temperature increases molecular motion
- •Faster molecules transmit sound waves quicker
- •Each 1°C increase raises air speed by ~0.6 m/s
- •Air pressure has negligible effect at constant temperature
Speed in Different Media
Key Insight: Sound travels fastest in solids, slower in liquids, and slowest in gases due to differences in molecular structure and bonding.
Applications and Importance
Weather & Climate
Temperature variations affect sound propagation in the atmosphere, important for acoustic measurements and noise prediction models.
Sonar & Underwater
Water temperature affects sonar range and accuracy. Oceanographers use sound speed profiles to map ocean conditions and detect submarines.
Medical Ultrasound
Body temperature affects ultrasound imaging quality. Sound speed in tissues varies with temperature, affecting diagnostic accuracy.