Speed of sound can vary greatly depending on the medium through which it travels. Sound travels at different speeds in different materials, influenced by the material’s density and elasticity. Below is a list of various substances and the corresponding speeds at which sound travels through them:
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Aluminum
Speed of sound in aluminum: 6420 m/s
Sound travels exceptionally fast in aluminum due to its high elasticity and low density. This makes it a good conductor of sound. -
Glass
Speed of sound in glass: 5640 m/s
Glass is a rigid material with a relatively high elasticity, allowing sound to travel at a substantial speed, though not as fast as in metals like aluminum. -
Iron
Speed of sound in iron: 5130 m/s
Being a dense and stiff material, iron allows sound to travel at a moderate speed, slower than in aluminum and glass but faster than in gases or liquids. -
Sea Water
Speed of sound in seawater: 1533 m/s
Water, especially seawater, allows sound to travel faster than in air due to its higher density. The presence of salt in seawater also slightly affects the speed. -
Water
Speed of sound in water: 1483 m/s
In fresh water, sound travels more quickly than in air because water molecules are closer together, enabling faster vibration transmission. -
Mercury
Speed of sound in mercury: 1450 m/s
Mercury, being a liquid metal, has a unique molecular structure that allows sound to travel at a moderate pace, similar to that in water. -
Hydrogen
Speed of sound in hydrogen: 1269 m/s
Despite hydrogen’s low density, the speed of sound in hydrogen is relatively high, though still slower than in more rigid and denser materials like metals and water. -
Alcohol
Speed of sound in alcohol: 1213 m/s
Alcohol, being a liquid, has sound speeds slower than those in metals and water, but it still allows for faster transmission than in gases. -
Steam (at 100°C)
Speed of sound in steam at 100°C: 405 m/s
Steam, like other gases, has a significantly slower speed of sound, with temperature playing a major role in this reduction. -
Air
Speed of sound in air: 332 m/s
In dry air at 20°C, sound travels at a speed of 332 meters per second. This is the standard reference for the speed of sound in gases, though it can vary with temperature and humidity. -
Carbon Dioxide
Speed of sound in carbon dioxide: 260 m/s
Carbon dioxide, being denser than air but still a gas, allows sound to travel slower compared to air, as the molecules are heavier and move less freely.
Key Factors Affecting Sound Speed:
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Density of the Medium: In general, sound travels slower in denser mediums. However, this is not the only factor to consider. The elastic properties (how easily the material can return to its original shape after being disturbed) also play a major role.
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Temperature: In gases, temperature has a direct impact on sound speed. As temperature increases, the molecules in a gas move faster, allowing sound to travel faster.
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Elasticity: The ability of a medium to return to its original form after being disturbed is known as elasticity. More elastic materials (like metals) allow sound to travel faster.