Sound is propagated in the form of waves. A vibrating item transfers its vibration to neighbouring molecules or particles. Transfer of a movement from one particle to another occurs, which leads to generation of sound waves.

Different materials such as wood, air and water may play a role of a medium for propagation of sound waves; hence the speed of sound waves’ propagation should also be different. If we are talking about the speed of sound, then the medium through which it propagates should be of interest to us. Because the speed of sound depends only on the medium it propagates through.

The speed of sound in air is about 335 metres per second. However, this is true when the air temperature is zero degree Celsius. As temperature rises, the speed of sound’s propagation increases.

In water, sound propagates faster than in air. At 8 degree Celsius, speed of sound in water reaches about 1435 metres per second, or 6 thousand kilometres per hour. In metal, this speed is about 5000 metres per second, or 20,000 kilometres per hour.