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On the medium it is travelling in, or more precisely, the distance between particles of a medium :

-Solid : Particles leave almost no space in between, so sound travel faster than liquid and air.

-Liquid : Less close than the solid particles and more close than those of air, so sound travel faster than in air and slower than in solid.

-Air : Gas particles are waaay far of each other and thus sound travels slowest in it.

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12y ago
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12y ago

The speed of sound changes clearly with temperature, a little bit with humidity - but not with air pressure (atmospheric pressure). The words "sound pressure at sea level" are incorrect and misleading in the case of "speed of sound". The temperature indication, however, is absolutely necessary.

Formula for speed of sound c = 331 + 0.6 × ϑ

ϑ = temperature in degrees celsius.

At ϑ = 20°C we get a speed of sound c = 331 + 0.6 × 20 = 343 m/s.

1 °C change of temperature is equal to 60 cm/s change of speed of sound. When calculating the speed of sound forget the atmospheric pressure, but look accurately at the very important temperature. The speed of sound varies with altitude (height or elevation) only because of the changing temperature there!

Look at the link: "Speed of Sound in Air and the effective Temperature".

In general, sound will travel at different speeds through different mediums (air, other gasses, wood, water, glass, metal, etc.) And with no medium (a vacuum), sound does not travel at all.

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Related questions

Does sound velocity change based upon sound frequency?

Speed of sound is not frequency dependent. Speed of sound is dependent only on the temperature. At 20°C the speed of sound is 343 m/s.


Is sound speed in solids pressure dependent?

No, why should it?


Why does sound travel faster at the bottom of a mountain than it does at the top?

Speed of sound in air is dependent on the air pressure, and air pressure is dependent on height above sea level. Up high, pressure is lower and speed of sound is different.


What is speed of sound in meter per second?

The speed of sound is dependent on the temperature and not on the air pressure. At 20 degrees celsius the speed of sound is 343 m/s.


Does the speed of the wave change when you increase the tension of the spring?

No. The speed of sound is dependent on air pressure and temperature.


What is the Velocity of air at sea level?

The speed of sound in air has really nothing to do with the sea level and its atmospheric pressure. Speed of sound is dependent on the temperature. Look at the link: "Speed of Sound in Air and the effective Temperature".


Is it easier for an aeroplane to make a sonic boom when it travels higher up?

The speed of sound in an ideal gas is not dependent on its density, but IS dependent on temperature. So, at a lower temperature, the speed of sound will decrease, making it easier to reach Mach 1.


In what medium the sound travels faster?

Water. _____________________ This is because water is a denser material, and the speed of sound is dependent on the density.


What will affect the velocity of sound in air?

The speed of sound is dependent on the temperature. Speed of sound in air is c ≈ 331 + 0.6 × T. T = Temperature. Speed of sound in air at 20°C is c ≈ 331 + 0.6 × 20 = 343 m/s.


What is the speed of sound in a second?

The speed of sound is dependent on the temperature and not on the air pressure. At 20 degrees celsius the speed of sound is 343 m/s.


How is the speed of sound calculated?

Speed of sound is dependent only on the temperature.Often the easy calculation will do:Speed of sound c ≈ 331 + (0.6 × T) m/s.T = temperature in degrees Celsius (°C).A 20°C the speed of sound c ≈ 331 + (0.6 × 20) = 343 m/s


What affects the speed of sound through air?

It is an amazing fact that the speed of sound in air is a function of temperature only. Even very large pressure changes produce only very small changes in the speed of sound. The speed of sound in air is determined by the air itself. It is not dependent upon the sound amplitude, frequency or wavelength. Scroll down to related links and look at "Speed of sound - temperature matters, not air pressure".