Chapter 12, Problem 23RQ

True or False: A sonic boom occurs only when an aircraft is breaking through the sound barrier.

To determine

Whether the statement “A sonic boom occurs only when an aircraft is breaking through the sound barrier” is true or False.

Answer to Problem 23RQ

The statement “A sonic boom occurs only when an aircraft is breaking through the sound barrier” is true.

Explanation of Solution

When an object moves such that it approaches the speed of the sound wave, then it experiences an effect that has the tendency to retard the motion of the object. This effect of the sound wave is called the sound barrier.

If the speed of the object becomes greater than the speed of the sound wave and it overcomes the sound barrier, then a V-shape wave produces due to overlapping of various waves. The V-shape creates a low-pressure region. The surrounding air tends to this low-pressure region with sound waves of very high speed. The boom creates in this low-pressure region with the speed of the sound in air is called Sonic boom.

The intensity of the sonic boom depends on the speed of the aircraft. When the speed of the aircraft becomes greater than the speed of sound in air then sonic boom creates behind the aircraft.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the statement “A sonic boom occurs only when an aircraft is breaking through the sound barrier” is true.