The speed of sound is approximately 767 miles per hour (mph) at sea level and at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). However, this speed can vary depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, and altitude.
For example, sound travels faster in warmer air and slower in colder air. At higher altitudes, where the air is less dense, the speed of sound decreases. In water, sound travels much faster than in air, at about 3,315 mph, because water molecules are packed more closely together, allowing sound waves to propagate more quickly.
Understanding the speed of sound is important in various fields, including aviation, meteorology, and engineering. Pilots, for instance, need to be aware of the speed of sound when breaking the sound barrier, which occurs when an object travels faster than the speed of sound, creating a sonic boom.