If a plane is flying at a speed so that the apex half-angle of its shockwave is 30°, what is its speed if the speed of sound is 320 m/s?
A) 960 m/s
B) 640 m/s
C) 320 m/s
D) 160 m/s
E) Choose this answer if a shock wave cannot form in this situation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The relation between the speed of sound (a), the velocity of the object (v), and the apex half-angle of its shockwave (θ) is given by:
sinθ = a/v
Substituting the given values, we get:
sin 30° = 320/v
v = 640 m/s (option B)

If a Plane Is Flying at a Speed So That