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Sound underwater

  • 15-10-2013 8:42pm
    #1
    Interslice
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,506 ✭✭✭


    For my thesis I'm trying to get a deeper (no pun intended) understanding of how sound travels under water. I'm starting with some basic stuff as I found I was only half understanding the more advanced concepts. I'd like to eventually get a clear picture in my head of whats going on.

    Sound travels faster in water than gas and faster again through solids as the molecules are more tightly packed as I read here.

    1. Would you call it empty space between the molecules?
    2. What effect is the empty space having on the sound wave that causes sound to slow down and travel a shorter distance? Is it an insulator of some sort or is it a delay cause by the bonds between atoms :confused: Do the molecules ever physically make contact?

    If anyone could answer these questions or explain some of the ideas it would be greatly appreciated. I'll have more questions to follow at a later time if you do :D.

    Thanks

    IS


Comments

  • #2
    whizbang
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,974 ✭✭✭whizbang


    This is because at lower temperatures, molecules collide more often, giving the sound wave more chances to move around rapidly. At freezing (0º Celcius), sound travels through air at 331 meters per second (about 740 mph). But, at 20ºC, room temperature, sound travels at 343 meters per second (767 mph).

    This is from the link you posted. I am not sure its correct ...


  • #3
    Interslice
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,506 ✭✭✭Interslice


    Ye I don't think that's right. Not 100% sure yet, been busy with other stuff lately, but from reading a bit about it the vibration seems to be transferred electromagnetically and there is no actual collision. Sound travels faster through warm air because it vibrates faster than cold air.

    Much better link here.

    http://www.ndt-ed.org/EducationResources/HighSchool/Sound/speedinmaterials.htm


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