If the speed of sound is 340 m/s a plane flying at 400 m/s creates a conical shock wave with an apex half angle of:
A)"0° (no shock wave)
B)"32 ° "
C)"40 ° "
D)"50 ° "
E)"58 ° "

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Mach angle is calculated using the formula sin(θ) = 1/M, where M is the Mach number. The Mach number is the speed of the plane divided by the speed of sound, which is 400/340 ≈ 1.176. Therefore, θ = sin⁻¹(1/1.176) ≈ 58°.

If the Speed of Sound Is 340 M/s a Plane