The speed of sound is the rate at which sound waves travel through a medium, such as air, water, or solids. In air at room temperature, the speed of sound is approximately 343 meters per second (1,125 feet per second). This speed can vary based on factors like temperature, humidity, and the type of medium through which the sound is traveling. Sound travels faster in denser materials. For example, in water, the speed of sound is about 1,480 meters per second, while in steel, it can reach around 5,960 meters per second. Understanding the speed of sound is important in fields like acoustics, engineering, and aviation.