The Speed of Sound: A Fascinating Journey Through the Skies

How does the speed of sound affect the experience of flying?

When an aircraft flies at 680 m/s at an altitude of 15 km in standard atmosphere, how long after the aircraft flies directly above a ground observer is the sound of the aircraft heard by the ground observer?

Answer:

The sound of the aircraft is heard by the ground observer approximately 44 seconds after the aircraft flies directly above them.

Have you ever wondered about the fascinating mechanics behind the speed of sound and its impact on our experiences in the skies? Let's take a closer look at how the speed of sound influences the way we perceive aircraft passing by.

When an aircraft is soaring through the sky at a high speed of 680 m/s and at a lofty altitude of 15 km in the standard atmosphere, it creates a mesmerizing spectacle for those on the ground below. However, the journey of sound from the aircraft to the ground observer is a journey filled with scientific wonders.

To calculate the time it takes for the sound of the aircraft to reach the ground observer, we need to consider the speed of sound and the altitude of the aircraft. In the standard atmosphere, the speed of sound is approximately 343 meters per second.

First, let's determine the time it takes for the aircraft to cover the vertical distance from the altitude of 15 km to the ground. Using the formula time = distance / speed, the vertical distance of 15 km or 15,000 meters is covered by the aircraft in approximately 22.06 seconds.

Next, we factor in the time it takes for the sound to travel from the aircraft to the ground observer. The distance traveled by sound is equivalent to the altitude of the aircraft, which is 15 km or 15,000 meters. By calculating time = distance / speed, we find that the sound reaches the ground observer in about 43.76 seconds.

Combining the time taken for the aircraft to cover the vertical distance and the time for the sound to travel, we arrive at a total of approximately 65.82 seconds. Therefore, the awe-inspiring sound of the aircraft is heard by the ground observer approximately 44 seconds after the aircraft flies directly above them, creating a magical moment in the skies.

Next time you gaze up at the aircraft soaring above, remember the intriguing journey of sound that accompanies their flight, adding an extra dimension of wonder to the marvels of aviation!