The speed of sound in water is approximately __________.

Correct Answer: Option D — 4.5 times its speed in air

Sound travels through seawater at an average velocity of approximately 4,800 to 5,000 feet per second, compared to roughly 1,100 feet per second in air. This ratio of roughly 4.5 times is a standard reference in marine acoustics and echo sounding principles found in Bowditch.