What is special about the speed of sound? What causes a sonic boom?
In: 30
The Speed of sound is a measure of how fast a pressure wave can move through the air. Sound is just a pressure wave. When you go faster than that pressure wave can move away from the aircraft, it builds up at the leading edges of the aircraft increasing the pressure. The higher the pressure, the louder the noise generally. The Sonic boom is that big pressure wave created by the aircraft reaching your ears. Also, the density of the air affects the speed of sound. The higher you go above sea level the lower the air density and the lower speed of sound.
Fun fact if you want to get real nerdy, some jet engines like in the SR-71, take advantage of this pressure wave by directing it into the engines to make them more efficient. Called Ramjet engines.
Latest Answers