Velocity of Sound in Pure Water to Mach (SI Standard)

The speed of sound in pure water at 20°C is approximately 1,482.7 m/s, significantly faster than in air due to water's higher density and bulk modulus.

Depends on water temperature, salinity, and pressure. At 20°C, pure water: ~1,483 m/s. Varies with depth and location.

To km/h: × 3.6. To ft/s: × 3.281. 1,483 m/s = 5,339 km/h = 3,317 mph.

Sonar (submarine detection, fish finding), ultrasound imaging, underwater communication, and oceanographic measurements.

Sound in water travels ~4.3× faster than in air. Whales can communicate over hundreds of km using this. SOFAR channel enables even longer distances.

Assuming sound speed in water equals sound in air — it's much faster. Also, forgetting temperature dependence.

~1,500 m/s in water (rule of thumb). 4–5× faster than in air. Increases with temperature, salinity, and depth.

Mach (SI standard) uses the speed of sound at 0°C and 1 atm (295.0464 m/s) as the reference, based on SI standard conditions.

Mach (SI) = velocity / 295.0464 m/s. At 0°C, 1 atm: speed of sound ≈ 295 m/s (colder than 20°C).

To m/s (at 0°C): × 295.05. To km/h (at 0°C): × 1,062. To Mach (20°C): × 0.859.

Rarely used in practice. Theoretical aerodynamics at SI conditions, some scientific papers.

Mach 1 (SI) = 295 m/s, while Mach 1 (20°C) = 343.6 m/s. Same Mach number, different actual speeds depending on definition.

Assuming all Mach numbers use the same reference — they don't. Always check temperature and pressure conditions.

Rarely encountered. Mach 1 (SI) = 295 m/s at 0°C. Standard aviation Mach uses different conditions. Know your reference!