1. What is the Speed of Sound Formula?

The speed of sound formula calculates the speed 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 essential in acoustics, aerodynamics, meteorology, and various engineering applications where wave propagation through gases is studied.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the adiabatic index (typically 1.4 for air), gas constant (8.314 J/mol·K), temperature in Kelvin, and molar mass in kg/mol. All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical speed of sound in air at room temperature?
A: Approximately 343 m/s at 20°C (293 K) for dry air.

Q2: How does temperature affect sound speed?
A: Sound speed increases with temperature, as the formula shows a direct square root relationship.

Q3: Why does sound travel faster in helium than air?
A: Helium has a lower molar mass than air, resulting in higher sound speed according to the formula.

Q4: What is the adiabatic index (γ)?
A: The ratio of specific heats (Cp/Cv), typically 1.4 for diatomic gases like air and 1.67 for monatomic gases.

Q5: Can this formula be used for liquids and solids?
A: No, this formula is specific to ideal gases. Different formulas apply for liquids and solids.