What is the speed of sound?

The speed of sound in dry air at 20°C (68°F) is approximately 343 metres per second (1,125 feet per second). The speed varies depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the medium through which it travels. Sound travels faster in liquids and even faster in solids due to the closer arrangement of molecules. For example, sound travels at about 1,480 metres per second in water and over 5,000 metres per second in steel. Understanding the speed of sound is critical in fields like aviation, engineering, and acoustics.