Speed of Sound

What is the approximate speed of sound in

1. air? approx. 340 m/s.
2. water? approx. 1,484 m/s.
3. vacuum?

Speed of sound is dependent on medium's

1. density / compressibility (inversely related)
2. stiffness (solids)
3. temperature (fluids)

Sound will travel faster in

• solids than in liquids because solids are more difficult to compress;
• liquids than gases because liquids are more difficult to compress.