how far can sound travel in water
Sound can travel much farther in water than in air. In the ocean, under ideal conditions, sound can travel for thousands of kilometers. The exact distance depends on factors like frequency, water temperature, pressure, and the presence of obstacles or thermal layers.
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Low-Frequency Sounds: Low-frequency sounds (like whale calls or submarine communications) can travel the farthest. These sounds can propagate for hundreds to thousands of miles and are often used for long-distance communication underwater.
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High-Frequency Sounds: Higher-frequency sounds (like sonar or dolphin clicks) don’t travel as far because they lose energy more quickly. These might travel only a few kilometers before becoming inaudible.
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Speed of Sound in Water: The speed of sound in water is about 1,482 meters per second (around 5,000 feet per second), which is much faster than in air (343 meters per second). This contributes to sound traveling farther underwater.
- Sound Channels: The ocean has a "sound channel" or "SOFAR channel" where sound can travel with minimal loss of energy, especially at depths of around 700-1,000 meters. This allows sound to propagate over vast distances.
In summary, while sound can travel thousands of kilometers in water under the right conditions, the distance depends on the specific environment and the frequency of the sound.
