Flight regimes: A supersonic aircraft flies at what relative speed? Describe its speed in relation to the local speed of sound (Mach number concept). Choose the correct option.
IIT JEE
Physics
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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ALess than the speed of sound (Mach < 1)
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BEqual to the speed of sound (Mach = 1)
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CGreater than the speed of sound (Mach > 1)
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DZero airspeed (hover)
Answer
Correct Answer: Greater than the speed of sound (Mach > 1)
Explanation
DefinitionSupersonic: Mach number > 1, i.e., aircraft speed exceeds local speed of sound (≈ 343 m/s at sea level, 20°C).
Final AnswerGreater than the speed of sound (Mach > 1)