What happens to velocity as air moves through a shock wave?

What happens to velocity as air moves through a shock wave?

• A. Velocity increases
• B. Velocity decreases
• C. No change in velocity
• D. Velocity becomes supersonic

Answer: (B)

As air moves through a shock wave, its velocity decreases. This phenomenon occurs because a shock wave represents a region in which there is a sudden change in pressure, temperature, and density of the air. When an object moves faster than the speed of sound, it generates a shock wave as a result of compressing the air ahead of it. When the air passes through this shock wave, it experiences a drop in velocity as it attempts to return to subsonic speeds. The pressure and temperature in the region of the shock wave also increase sharply. This sudden change alters the flow characteristics of the air, resulting in a decrease in its velocity as it moves past the shock wave. Furthermore, once the air has passed through the shock wave, it may regain some speed but will not exceed the speed of sound until it is accelerated by further aerodynamic forces. Understanding this behavior is essential in aerodynamics and high-speed flight operations, as it affects aircraft performance and stability.

As air moves through a shock wave, its velocity decreases. This phenomenon occurs because a shock wave represents a region in which there is a sudden change in pressure, temperature, and density of the air. When an object moves faster than the speed of sound, it generates a shock wave as a result of compressing the air ahead of it.

When the air passes through this shock wave, it experiences a drop in velocity as it attempts to return to subsonic speeds. The pressure and temperature in the region of the shock wave also increase sharply. This sudden change alters the flow characteristics of the air, resulting in a decrease in its velocity as it moves past the shock wave.

Furthermore, once the air has passed through the shock wave, it may regain some speed but will not exceed the speed of sound until it is accelerated by further aerodynamic forces. Understanding this behavior is essential in aerodynamics and high-speed flight operations, as it affects aircraft performance and stability.