Calculating Mach Number of Aircraft at Sea Level

In summary, the formula for calculating the Mach number of an aircraft at sea level is: Mach number = (speed of the aircraft in knots) / (speed of sound at sea level in knots). To convert from miles per hour to knots, multiply the speed in miles per hour by 0.868976. The speed of sound at sea level is approximately 761.2 miles per hour or 661.6 knots. The Mach number of an aircraft can exceed 1, which is known as supersonic flight. Air density has a direct effect on the Mach number of an aircraft at sea level, as it decreases the speed of sound and results in a lower Mach number for a given aircraft speed. This is because sound travels slower in
  • #1
soulja101
61
0

Homework Statement


What is the mach number if an aircraft traveling at sea level at 0 degrees with a speed of A)1140km/h b)900.0km/ the answers are 0.995 abd 0.753 in order. I Cant get those.


Homework Equations


mach number=speed of object/speed of sound


The Attempt at a Solution



322meters per second/316meters per second

1.02meters per second and i got a different number than the answer for number 2
 
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  • #2
for the first it should be: [tex] \frac{316. 6 \frac{m}{s}}{ 340.29 \frac{m}{s}} [/tex]
 
  • #3
where did u get 340 from
 
  • #4
thats the speed of sound at sea level.
 

1. What is the formula for calculating the Mach number of an aircraft at sea level?

The formula for calculating the Mach number of an aircraft at sea level is: Mach number = (speed of the aircraft in knots) / (speed of sound at sea level in knots).

2. How do I convert the speed of an aircraft from miles per hour to knots?

To convert from miles per hour to knots, multiply the speed in miles per hour by 0.868976.

3. What is the speed of sound at sea level?

The speed of sound at sea level is approximately 761.2 miles per hour or 661.6 knots.

4. Can the Mach number of an aircraft exceed 1?

Yes, the Mach number of an aircraft can exceed 1. This is known as supersonic flight and occurs when the aircraft is traveling faster than the speed of sound.

5. How does air density affect the Mach number of an aircraft at sea level?

Air density has a direct effect on the Mach number of an aircraft at sea level. As air density increases, the speed of sound decreases, resulting in a lower Mach number for a given aircraft speed. This is because sound travels slower in denser air.

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