Supersonic speed
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Any speed that is faster than the speed of sound in the substance of interest.[1]
The prefix Mach is used to describe supersonic speed. It derives form Ernst Mach, a Czech born, German scientist who contributed to the study of sound. When a plane moves at the speed of sound (in air) it is Mach 1. When twice the speed of sound it is Mach 2. When a plane passes the sound barrier (flying faster than sound travels) listeners hear a sonic boom.
The speed of sound in air is 770 mph, or 1130 ft/s (1230 km/h or 344m/s) in dry air at 70F [2]. Sound travels faster in water than it does in air, and even faster in iron and steel.
References
- ↑ Wile, Dr. Jay L. Exploring Creation With Physical Science. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000
- ↑ Speed of Sound http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/sound/souspe.html, Retrieved 7March2008