Water has a significant impact on sound waves due to its different physical properties compared to air. Sound waves travel differently in water than they do in air, and several factors come into play:
Speed of Sound: Sound waves travel faster in water than in air. The speed of sound in air at room temperature is approximately 343 meters per second (about 1,125 feet per second), while in freshwater, it is around 1,480 meters per second (about 4,860 feet per second). The exact speed depends on factors such as temperature, pressure, and salinity.
Density: Water is denser than air. As a result, sound waves encounter more resistance when traveling through water. This increased density affects the amplitude (loudness) and the distance sound can travel underwater.
Absorption: Water has higher absorption properties for sound compared to air. Sound waves traveling through water gradually lose their energy as they encounter water molecules, which causes the sound to weaken over distance. This absorption effect is more pronounced at higher frequencies.
Refraction: Sound waves change direction when they pass from one medium to another with different properties, a phenomenon known as refraction. When sound waves transition from air to water or vice versa, they experience refraction due to the difference in density and speed of sound between the two mediums. This refraction can cause sound to bend and be heard from unexpected directions underwater.
Conductivity: Water is a better conductor of sound than air. Sound waves travel more efficiently through water as the molecules are closely packed, allowing vibrations to propagate more effectively.
Overall, sound waves travel faster in water than in air, but they also experience more absorption and attenuation, which reduces their intensity and range. These properties of water impact various aspects of underwater acoustics and are crucial considerations in areas such as marine communication, sonar systems, and underwater exploration.