A supersonic plane passes overhead at a speed of 500 m/s.If you hear the sonic boom (shock wave)4.00 s after the plane is directly overhead,at what altitude is the plane flying? Assume the speed of sound in air is 340 m/s.
A) 1.36 km
B) 2.16 km
C) 1.85 km
D) 2.45 km
E) The plane is not flying fast enough to produce a shock wave.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The speed of sound in air is 340 m/s. The plane is traveling at a speed of 500 m/s, which is greater than the speed of sound, so it produces a shock wave. The time delay between the plane passing overhead and the sonic boom being heard is 4.00 s.

Let's use the following equation to find the altitude of the plane:

d = vt

where d is the altitude, v is the speed of sound, and t is the time delay.

We know v = 340 m/s and t = 4.00 s, so:

d = (340 m/s)(4.00 s) = 1360 m = 1.36 km

Therefore, the plane is flying at an altitude of 1.36 km.

The correct answer is C.

A Supersonic Plane Passes Overhead at a Speed of 500