Yes, it is true that sound waves travel faster and further in water compared to air. The speed of sound is determined by the properties of the medium through which it propagates, such as density and elasticity. Water is denser and more elastic than air, which leads to higher sound propagation speeds.
The energy conservation principle still applies to sound waves in water. When sound waves travel through a medium, they gradually lose energy due to various factors, including absorption, scattering, and dispersion. In water, sound waves do experience some energy dissipation, but it is important to note that the dissipation does not significantly affect their speed or propagation distance.
In water, sound energy dissipates through processes like viscous damping, thermal conduction, and molecular relaxation. These processes cause the sound waves to gradually weaken as they propagate, but they do not alter the speed at which the waves travel. The speed of sound in water depends on the density and compressibility of water, and those properties remain relatively constant.
The increased speed and distance traveled by sound waves in water can be attributed to the higher density and elasticity of water compared to air. The denser medium allows for faster propagation of sound waves, while the greater elasticity facilitates more efficient transmission of energy.
In summary, sound waves do travel faster and further in water due to its higher density and elasticity. While some energy dissipation occurs, it does not significantly impact the speed or distance traveled by sound waves in water.