The velocity of sound in sea water is significantly higher than that in air. On average, the speed of sound in sea water is approximately 1,500 meters per second (m/s), while in air it is roughly 343 m/s (at sea level and 20 degrees Celsius). Therefore, sound travels about 4.4 times faster in sea water compared to air. The denser and more massive nature of water molecules compared to air molecules allows sound waves to propagate at a higher speed in sea water. This characteristic of sea water influences the behavior of underwater acoustics and has various practical applications, such as in sonar technology and underwater communication systems.
