Sound travels faster in water than in air because the particles in water are closer together than the particles in air. This means that sound waves can travel more easily through water, and they can also carry more energy.

The speed of sound is determined by the density of the medium through which it is traveling. The denser the medium, the faster the sound will travel. Water is about 800 times denser than air, so sound travels about 4 times faster in water than in air.

The speed of sound also depends on the temperature of the medium. Sound travels faster in warmer media than in cooler media. This is because the molecules in a warmer medium are moving faster, so they can transmit sound waves more easily.

The speed of sound in water is about 1,480 meters per second at 20 degrees Celsius. The speed of sound in air is about 343 meters per second at the same temperature.

The speed of sound can also be affected by the pressure of the medium. However, the effect of pressure on the speed of sound is much smaller than the effect of density or temperature.

The fact that sound travels faster in water than in air has a number of implications. For example, it means that we can hear sounds underwater that we cannot hear in air. It also means that sound can travel much farther underwater than it can in air. This is why whales and dolphins can communicate over long distances.

The speed of sound is also important for underwater navigation. Sonar systems use sound waves to map the underwater environment. The speed of sound in water is a key factor in the design and operation of sonar systems.