Speed of Sound Formula
Calculate the speed of sound in air at different temperatures.
Used in acoustics, aviation, and meteorology.
The Formula
v = 331.3 + 0.606 × T
The speed of sound in air depends on the temperature. Warmer air transmits sound faster because air molecules move more quickly at higher temperatures.
Variables
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| v | Speed of sound in air (m/s) |
| T | Air temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) |
| 331.3 | Speed of sound at 0°C (m/s) |
| 0.606 | Speed increase per degree Celsius (m/s/°C) |
Example 1
Find the speed of sound at room temperature (20°C)
v = 331.3 + 0.606 × 20
v = 331.3 + 12.12
v = 343.4 m/s (about 1,236 km/h or 768 mph)
Example 2
Find the speed of sound at -15°C (cold winter day)
v = 331.3 + 0.606 × (-15)
v = 331.3 - 9.09
v = 322.2 m/s (about 1,160 km/h)
When to Use It
Use the speed of sound formula when:
- Calculating distances from thunder or echoes
- Designing concert halls and audio systems
- Computing Mach numbers for aircraft
- Adjusting sonar or radar calculations for temperature