1. What is the Speed of Sound Equation?

The speed of sound equation calculates the velocity at which sound waves propagate through a gas medium. It depends on the adiabatic index, gas constant, temperature, and molar mass of the gas.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the speed of sound equation:

Where:

• \( v \) — Speed of sound (m/s)
• \( \gamma \) — Adiabatic index (unitless)
• \( R \) — Gas constant (8.314 J/mol·K)
• \( T \) — Temperature (K)
• \( M \) — Molar mass (kg/mol)

Explanation: The equation shows that sound speed increases with temperature and decreases with molecular mass of the gas.

3. Importance of Speed of Sound Calculation

Details: Calculating sound speed is crucial for acoustics engineering, atmospheric studies, aerospace applications, and understanding wave propagation in different media.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter adiabatic index (γ), gas constant (R), temperature in Kelvin (T), and molar mass in kg/mol (M). All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the adiabatic index (γ)?
A: The adiabatic index is the ratio of specific heats (Cp/Cv) and varies by gas type (1.4 for air, 1.67 for monatomic gases).

Q2: Why is temperature in Kelvin?
A: The gas constant R is defined using Kelvin scale, and absolute temperature is required for thermodynamic calculations.

Q3: What is typical speed of sound in air?
A: At 20°C (293K), sound travels at approximately 343 m/s in air with γ=1.4 and M=0.029 kg/mol.

Q4: How does altitude affect sound speed?
A: Sound speed decreases with altitude due to lower temperatures, despite changes in air composition.

Q5: Can this equation be used for liquids?
A: No, this equation is for ideal gases. Liquids use different equations based on bulk modulus and density.