Calculate the speed of sound in a gas based on temperature, molar mass, and specific heat ratio.
Enter temperature, molar mass, and specific heat ratio, then click Calculate.
The speed of sound in a gas is determined by the thermodynamic properties of the gas: its temperature, molar mass, and specific heat ratio (adiabatic index). The fundamental equation is v = √(γ·R·T/M), where v is the speed of sound, γ is the specific heat ratio (C_p/C_v), R is the universal gas constant (8.314 J/(mol·K)), T is the absolute temperature in kelvin, and M is the molar mass in kg/mol. This formula is derived from the ideal gas law and the isentropic (adiabatic) relationship between pressure and density. The speed of sound increases with higher temperature (gas molecules move faster), decreases with higher molar mass (heavier molecules), and increases with higher specific heat ratio. This calculator is essential for aerospace engineering, acoustics, meteorology, and industrial processes where understanding acoustic wave propagation is critical.
- Enter the Temperature in Kelvin (K).
- Enter the Molar Mass in kg/mol (e.g., air = 0.02897).
- Enter the Specific Heat Ratio (γ) (e.g., air = 1.4).
- Optionally enter a Gas Name for reference.
- Click Calculate Speed to compute the speed of sound.
- The result shows speed in m/s, km/h, mph, and knots.
- Click Reset to restore default example values.