What is the formula used to calculate Mach number?

What is the formula used to calculate Mach number?

• A. Speed of aircraft/Speed of sound
• B. Aircraft speed/Temperature
• C. Speed multiplied by the altitude
• D. Speed of sound/Speed of aircraft

Answer: (A)

The Mach number is a dimensionless quantity used to indicate the speed of an aircraft relative to the speed of sound in the surrounding medium. It is calculated by taking the speed of the aircraft and dividing it by the speed of sound at the current conditions. The formula reflects the relationship that as the aircraft speeds up and approaches the speed of sound, understanding this ratio becomes crucial for assessing performance and behavior in flight. At lower altitudes, where temperatures are higher, the speed of sound increases, hence the Mach number helps determine whether an aircraft is operating in subsonic, transonic, supersonic, or hypersonic ranges. This connection to the speed of sound highlights why the accurate measurement of both the aircraft speed and the environmental conditions, which influence the speed of sound, is essential for piloting and flight planning. Understanding this calculation allows pilots and engineers to assess performance and safety margins effectively.

The Mach number is a dimensionless quantity used to indicate the speed of an aircraft relative to the speed of sound in the surrounding medium. It is calculated by taking the speed of the aircraft and dividing it by the speed of sound at the current conditions.

The formula reflects the relationship that as the aircraft speeds up and approaches the speed of sound, understanding this ratio becomes crucial for assessing performance and behavior in flight. At lower altitudes, where temperatures are higher, the speed of sound increases, hence the Mach number helps determine whether an aircraft is operating in subsonic, transonic, supersonic, or hypersonic ranges.

This connection to the speed of sound highlights why the accurate measurement of both the aircraft speed and the environmental conditions, which influence the speed of sound, is essential for piloting and flight planning. Understanding this calculation allows pilots and engineers to assess performance and safety margins effectively.