Sound Speed Liquids

Overview

Engineering reference data for Sound Speed Liquids in acoustics.

Key Formulas

Speed of Sound

$c = \sqrt{\gamma R T}$

Speed of sound in an ideal gas.

Sound Level

$L = 10 \log_{10}(I/I_0)$

Decibel level.

Wavelength

$\lambda = c / f$

Wavelength = speed / frequency.

Variables

Symbol	Description	Unit
$c$	Speed of sound	m/s
$L$	Sound level	dB
$\lambda$	Wavelength	m
$f$	Frequency	Hz

Speed of Sound in Seawater

Temperature (°C)	Speed of Sound (m/s)
0	1449
5	1471
10	1490
15	1507
20	1522
25	1534
30	1546

Unit Conversions

• $1 \text{ m/s} = 3.6 \text{ km/h} = 196.85 \text{ ft/min} = 3.28 \text{ ft/s} = 2.237 \text{ mph}$

Important Notes

• Reference: The speed of sound in air at standard conditions is $343 \text{ m/s}$.
• Temperature Dependence: Values in the table are based on the specified temperature. The speed of sound in a liquid generally increases with temperature.
• Speed vs. Velocity: Speed is a scalar quantity (magnitude only). Velocity is a vector quantity that includes both magnitude and direction.

References

• Original Source