Convert Foot/Second (ft/s) to Speed of Sound in Sea Water (vₛₑₐ) instantly.
About these units
Foot/Second (ft/s)
The foot per second is an imperial speed unit used in engineering, ballistics, aviation, and certain sports sciences. It expresses the number of feet traveled per second. Ballistics experts use ft/s to measure bullet velocities and projectile speeds, particularly in countries with strong imperial-unit traditions. Engineers may use ft/s in fluid flow calculations or mechanical system design when working with legacy data. Although ft/s is rarely seen in daily life, it remains relevant in niche disciplines where imperial units dominate, offering a smaller, more precise scale than mph.
Speed of Sound in Sea Water (vₛₑₐ)
In sea water, the speed of sound is generally higher—around 1,530–1,540 m/s—due to dissolved salts, temperature gradients, and pressure at depth. Sea water's complex structure causes refraction of sound waves, creating deep sound channels (like the SOFAR channel) that allow sound to travel vast distances with minimal attenuation. Oceanographers use sound-speed profiles to map underwater topography, measure ocean temperatures, and study global climate patterns. The speed of sound in sea water is essential for both marine ecology and military navigation.