# General equation for the speed of sound?

Tags: equation, general, sound, speed, state
 P: 23 I've seen stated in many a physics book that the general case for the speed of sound (for general equations of state p(ρ) ) is given by $$c^2 = \frac{\partial p}{\partial \rho}$$ where p is pressure and ρ is density. but I can't for the life of me figure out how on earth to derive that. I've seen tons of derivations for specific cases--gasses, solids, but not for the general case. According to wikipedia, it can be derived using classical mechanics. Can someone point me in the right direction?
 P: 8 c = $\sqrt{P/\rho}$ Where P = coefficient of "stiffness" and $\rho$ = density
 P: 8 oops sorry. Didn't understand your initial question. I just jumped to conclusions.
P: 143

## General equation for the speed of sound?

the equation of state is p=p(ρ,s) thus

dp = ($\frac{∂p}{∂\rho}$$)_{s}$d$\rho$ + ($\frac{∂p}{∂s}$)$_{\rho}$ ds

I am guessing that because ($\frac{∂p}{∂\rho}$$)_{s}$ has units of "velocity squared", it is looked upon as such;
But why this velocity is the sonic one - beats me...

Anyone?
 P: 143 This gives probably enough of an explanation http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/snddrv.html

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