What is the general impact when sound passes from air into water?

When sound passes from air into water, it travels faster and changes wavelength due to the different physical properties of the two mediums. In air, sound travels at approximately 343 meters per second, while in water, sound travels at about 1,480 meters per second. This substantial increase in speed occurs because water is denser than air, allowing sound waves to transmit energy more efficiently.

As sound enters a denser medium, its wavelength increases because the speed of sound in the medium is greater, and the frequency remains constant. This shift in both speed and wavelength significantly impacts how sound behaves in different environments and is crucial in applications such as underwater communication and acoustics. Understanding this phenomenon helps explain how sounds can be perceived differently in varying settings and is essential for professionals in fields like audiology and underwater technology.