Finding distance from sonic boom

  • Thread starter Thread starter leinad0213
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
To find the horizontal distance from point P when the sonic boom is heard, the problem involves a supersonic plane flying at Mach 1.60 and an altitude of 11.6 km. The speed of sound is given as 343 m/s, allowing for the calculation of the plane's speed. A right triangle can be used to visualize the relationship between the altitude, horizontal distance, and the angle of the sonic boom. Drawing a diagram is recommended to clarify the problem and facilitate further calculations. Understanding these relationships is crucial for solving the homework problem effectively.
leinad0213
Messages
7
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A supersonic plane passes directly over an observer at point P, flying due west at an altitude of 11.6 km and a speed of Mach 1.60. What is the plane's horizontal distance from point P when the sonic boom is heard?

I can assume T = 20C therefore Vs = 343 m/s

Homework Equations



Mach = V/Vs

Sinθ = V/Vs

The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea. I do know however a right triangle is involved, but I don't know where to go from there.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Why don't you draw a diagram of the problem and see if that helps?
 
Yep. SK's right. It should make the problem clearer.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Sonic boom heard in how much distance x?
Replies
1
Views
4K
Velocity of a plane when you hear a sonic boom?
Replies
1
Views
1K
How Long Before Hearing a Sonic Boom from a Supersonic Plane at Mach 3?
Replies
3
Views
3K
Calculating Altitude from Sonic Boom and Angle of Sight
Replies
9
Views
4K
What Is the Altitude of a Plane Traveling at Mach 2.5?
Replies
6
Views
5K
Speed of Jet Plane - Solving the Problem
Replies
3
Views
2K
Shock Waves Traveling to the Ground from a Jet
Replies
2
Views
2K
How to Calculate Shock Wave Cone Angle and Plane Speed in a Sonic Boom Situation
Replies
4
Views
15K
Supersonic plane flying horizontally
Replies
2
Views
3K
I Interval between double sonic booms
Replies
41
Views
17K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top