As air passes through a shock wave, what happens to pressure, temperature, and velocity?

As air passes through a shock wave, what happens to pressure, temperature, and velocity?

• A. Pressure increases, temperature decreases, velocity increases
• B. Pressure increases, temperature increases, velocity decreases
• C. Pressure decreases, temperature decreases, velocity increases
• D. No change in any of the parameters

Answer: (B)

When air passes through a shock wave, it experiences an abrupt change in its properties. The correct answer highlights that pressure increases, temperature increases, and velocity decreases. In the context of a shock wave, as the supersonic flow of air encounters the shock, it undergoes a compression. This compression results in an increase in pressure. Consequently, as the air is compressed, its temperature also rises due to the adiabatic heating effect, which is a characteristic of shock waves. Simultaneously, as the air is compressed and slows down to subsonic speeds as it crosses the shock wave, there is a decrease in velocity. This transition from supersonic to subsonic speed reflects the energy conservation principles governing the airflow dynamics. Thus, the combination of these changes—where pressure and temperature rise while velocity decreases—characterizes the behavior of air as it interacts with a shock wave. Therefore, the correct answer accurately depicts the behavior of air properties affected by a shock wave, establishing a clear understanding of the physical effects seen in compressible fluid dynamics.

When air passes through a shock wave, it experiences an abrupt change in its properties. The correct answer highlights that pressure increases, temperature increases, and velocity decreases.

In the context of a shock wave, as the supersonic flow of air encounters the shock, it undergoes a compression. This compression results in an increase in pressure. Consequently, as the air is compressed, its temperature also rises due to the adiabatic heating effect, which is a characteristic of shock waves.

Simultaneously, as the air is compressed and slows down to subsonic speeds as it crosses the shock wave, there is a decrease in velocity. This transition from supersonic to subsonic speed reflects the energy conservation principles governing the airflow dynamics. Thus, the combination of these changes—where pressure and temperature rise while velocity decreases—characterizes the behavior of air as it interacts with a shock wave.

Therefore, the correct answer accurately depicts the behavior of air properties affected by a shock wave, establishing a clear understanding of the physical effects seen in compressible fluid dynamics.