Does sound travel faster in water or in air?

Sound travels faster in water than in air due to the differences in the density and elasticity of the two mediums. In general, sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium to propagate. The speed of sound is influenced by how tightly packed the molecules are in that medium and how easily they can move past each other.

Water is a much denser medium compared to air, which allows sound waves to transmit more efficiently. In water, sound travels at about 1,484 meters per second (approximately 4,900 feet per second), while in air, it travels at about 343 meters per second (approximately 1,125 feet per second) at room temperature. This significant difference in speed is primarily due to water's higher density and greater elastic properties, which facilitate faster transmission of sound waves.

Understanding this concept is essential for divers, especially when it comes to communication and navigation underwater, as sound can travel long distances quickly in aquatic environments.