PhysRefPhysics reference
Waves
Waves

Speed of Sound in Gas

v=γRTMv = \sqrt{\frac{\gamma RT}{M}}

Speed of sound depends on temperature and gas properties.

Variables

v
Sound speed
Speed of sound
m/s
γ
Heat capacity ratio
C_p/C_v
unitless
R
Gas constant
8.314
J/(mol·K)
T
Temperature
Absolute temperature
K
M
Molar mass
Molecular mass
kg/mol

Derivation

v = √(γP/ρ) = √(γRT/M) using ideal gas law.

Your notes

0/5000

Common questions

What is the Speed of Sound in Gas formula?

Speed of Sound in Gas is written v = √(γRT/M). Speed of sound depends on temperature and gas properties. It belongs to Waves, under Sound Waves.

What are the units in v = √(γRT/M)?

In SI units, v is sound speed, measured in m/s; γ is heat capacity ratio (dimensionless); R is gas constant, measured in kg·m²/(s²·mol·K); T is temperature, measured in K; M is molar mass, measured in kg/mol.

How is the Speed of Sound in Gas formula derived?

v = √(γP/ρ) = √(γRT/M) using ideal gas law. The result is v = √(γRT/M).