The speed of sound is the distance that a sound wave travels in a certain amount of time. In dry air at 20 °C (68 °F), the speed of sound is approximately 343 meters per second (1,125 feet per second).
The speed of sound can be affected by several factors, including temperature, humidity, and altitude. As temperature increases, the speed of sound also increases. Humidity can affect the density of the air, which can in turn affect the speed of sound. Higher altitudes also have lower air density, which can result in a higher speed of sound.
The speed of sound is typically measured using a device called a sound speedometer, which measures the time it takes for a sound wave to travel a known distance. The speed of sound can also be calculated using the formula v = d/t, where v is the speed of sound, d is the distance traveled, and t is the time it takes.
The speed of sound can vary depending on the medium through which it is traveling. In general, sound travels faster in solids than in liquids, and faster in liquids than in gases. For example, the speed of sound in water is approximately 1,500 meters per second, while in air it is approximately 343 meters per second.
The speed of sound is directly related to the frequency and wavelength of a sound wave. As frequency increases, the speed of sound also increases. Similarly, as wavelength decreases, the speed of sound also decreases. This relationship is described by the formula v = fλ, where v is the speed of sound, f is the frequency, and λ is the wavelength.