The Speed of Sound

The speed of sound is how quickly sound waves travel through a medium, such as air, water, or solids. In air at sea level and at room temperature, sound travels at about 343 meters per second (1,125 feet per second). This speed can vary based on factors like temperature and pressure; for example, sound travels faster in warmer air. Sound moves through vibrations of particles in the medium, so it's generally faster in solids due to closer particle arrangement. Understanding the speed of sound helps in areas like aviation, music, and communication technologies.