Question

The speed of sound through ocean water is nearly always __________.

A) faster than the speed of calibration for the fathometer, unless the water is very warm
B) the same speed as the speed of calibration for the fathometer
C) faster than the speed of calibration for the fathometer
D) slower than the speed of calibration for the fathometer

Answer 1

The speed of sound through ocean water is slower than the speed of calibration for the fathometer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speed of sound through ocean water is nearly always slower than the speed of calibration for the fathometer.

Sound waves travel faster through liquids, like water, than through the air because water is denser than air. In general, the speed of sound in water is about 1450 m/s, while the speed of sound in air is about 343.5 m/s. For any given medium at a constant temperature, the speed of sound is consistent across all frequencies and wavelengths.

Therefore, the correct answer is D) slower than the speed of calibration for the fathometer.