The speed of sound in air at standard conditions (20 °C or 68 °F) is approximately 343 meters per second (m/s), which is about 767 miles per hour (mph) or 1,235 kilometers per hour (km/h)
. This speed corresponds to roughly 1 kilometer in 2.92 seconds or one mile in about 4.69 seconds
. The speed of sound varies with temperature and the medium through which it travels. For example, at 0 °C (32 °F), the speed of sound in dry air is about 331 m/s (740 mph)
. Sound travels faster in liquids and solids than in air because these materials are denser and stiffer; for instance, sound travels at about 1,500 m/s in water
. The speed of sound depends mainly on temperature, increasing as temperature rises, and is nearly independent of frequency in the audible range
. It cannot travel through a vacuum because it requires a medium like air, water, or solids to propagate
. In extreme theoretical conditions, such as in solid hydrogen under immense pressure, the speed of sound could reach speeds as high as about 79,200 mph (127,460 km/h), which is much faster than in air but not achievable under normal Earth conditions
. In summary:
- Speed of sound in air at 20 °C: ~343 m/s (767 mph)
- Speed of sound in air at 0 °C: ~331 m/s (740 mph)
- Speed of sound in water: ~1,500 m/s
- Theoretical maximum speed in solid hydrogen: ~79,200 mph (127,460 km/h)
This speed varies with temperature, medium, and pressure but is typically around 343 m/s in everyday air conditions
