1. What is Speed of Sound in MPH?

Definition: This calculator estimates the speed of sound in miles per hour based on the air temperature in Celsius.

Purpose: It helps in physics, engineering, and aeronautics to understand how temperature affects sound propagation speed.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( S_{mph} \) — Speed of sound (miles per hour)
• \( T \) — Temperature (°C)

Explanation: The base speed of sound at 0°C (331 m/s) is adjusted for temperature, then converted from meters per second to miles per hour.

3. Importance of Speed of Sound Calculation

Details: Understanding sound speed is crucial for audio engineering, aircraft design, weather monitoring, and many scientific applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the air temperature in Celsius. The calculator will compute the speed of sound at that temperature.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does temperature affect sound speed?
A: Sound travels faster in warmer air because the molecules move more quickly and transmit vibrations faster.

Q2: What's the speed of sound at room temperature (20°C)?
A: Approximately 767 mph (343 m/s).

Q3: Does humidity affect the speed of sound?
A: Yes, but the effect is relatively small compared to temperature. This calculator assumes dry air.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's accurate for most practical purposes in standard atmospheric conditions.

Q5: What's the speed of sound in other units?
A: 1 mph = 1.60934 km/h = 0.44704 m/s = 1.46667 ft/s