How much faster does sound travel in water compared to air?

Sound travels significantly faster in water compared to air due to the medium's properties. In general, sound travels at a speed of approximately 343 meters per second (m/s) in air at room temperature, while in water, it travels at about 1,480 m/s. This remarkable difference arises from the fact that water is much denser than air, allowing sound waves to transmit energy more efficiently.

To determine the ratio, if you divide the speed of sound in water by the speed of sound in air, you find that sound travels about 4.3 times faster in water. Thus, choosing the answer that indicates a speed increase of approximately four times correctly reflects this ratio and the principles governing the propagation of sound in different mediums.

Understanding this concept is crucial for divers, as sound perception under water can differ greatly from that in the air, affecting communication and awareness of surroundings while diving.