Speed of Sound Calculator
Calculate the speed of sound in different mediums under various conditions with our physics-based calculator
Speed of Sound Results
Enter parameters to see how the speed compares in different mediums.
Physics Breakdown
Detailed physics explanation will appear here.
📊 Speed of Sound in Common Materials
| Material | Speed (m/s) | Temperature | Density (kg/m³) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air (dry, 20°C) | 343 | 20°C | 1.204 |
| Water (20°C) | 1482 | 20°C | 998 |
| Seawater | 1560 | 20°C | 1025 |
| Steel | 5960 | 20°C | 7850 |
| Aluminum | 6420 | 20°C | 2700 |
| Glass | 4540 | 20°C | 2500 |
| Rubber | 60 | 20°C | 1100 |
Note: Speeds can vary with temperature, pressure, and material composition.
📚 Practical Applications
Aviation
Mach number calculations are critical for aircraft design and supersonic flight.
Audio Engineering
Understanding sound speed helps in acoustic design and speaker placement.
Sonar Technology
Underwater sound propagation is essential for marine navigation and fish finding.
Material Testing
Ultrasonic testing uses sound waves to detect flaws in materials.
Meteorology
Calculating lightning distance by timing thunder is a practical use of sound speed.
Physics Research
Sound speed measurements help study material properties at extreme conditions.
Note: This calculator provides physics-based estimates. Actual sound speed may vary with exact material composition, purity, and environmental conditions.