The speed at which waves travel depends on the type of wave and the medium through which it propagates. Here are the speeds of some common waves:
Electromagnetic waves: In a vacuum, electromagnetic waves (such as light) travel at a constant speed of approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (km/s), which is commonly rounded to 300,000 km/s. This speed is often denoted as "c" and is considered the universal speed limit for all electromagnetic radiation.
Sound waves: The speed of sound varies depending on the medium through which it travels. In dry air at sea level and room temperature (around 20 degrees Celsius or 68 degrees Fahrenheit), sound waves travel at a speed of approximately 343 meters per second (m/s), which is roughly equivalent to 1,236 kilometers per hour (km/h) or 767 miles per hour (mph).
Water waves: The speed of water waves depends on their wavelength and depth of the water. In deep water, long ocean waves (known as gravity waves) typically travel at speeds around 1 to 1.5 meters per second (m/s). However, the speed can vary depending on the specific conditions and the type of wave.
Seismic waves: Seismic waves, which are generated by earthquakes or other geological events, travel through the Earth's crust. Their speed depends on the type of wave and the properties of the Earth's layers. Primary (P) waves, which are compressional waves, travel at an average speed of about 6 kilometers per second (km/s) in the Earth's crust. Secondary (S) waves, which are shear waves, travel at an average speed of about 3.5 kilometers per second (km/s). However, their velocities can vary significantly depending on the composition and density of the rocks they pass through.
It's important to note that these speeds are approximate values and can vary in different conditions and materials.