The speed of sound in air at 20° C is 343 m/s. Its speed in water at 20° C is 1,483 m/s. How much longer would it take for sound in air to travel 10 km than in water?

22.41 seconds longer

Explanation: Sound is a longitudinal wave that requires a material medium for transmission hence called a mechanical wave. Examples of medium in which sound travels in are water and air.

From the question give;

Speed of sound in air at 20°C is 343 m/s

Speed of sound in water at 20°C is 1,483 m/s

We are given a distance of 10 Km or 10,000 m

We need to finder how much longer it will take for the sound to travel in air.

Time = Distance : Speed

Therefore;

Time taken in Air = Distance : speed of sound in air

= 10000 m : 343 m/s

= 29.15 seconds

Time taken in water = Distance : speed of sound in water

= 10,000 : 1,483 m/s

= 6.74 seconds

Difference in time = 29.15 seconds - 6.74 seconds

= 22.41 seconds

Therefore, it takes 22.41 seconds longer for sound to travel through air than water.