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Speed of Sound Formula:
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The speed of sound at 11km altitude refers to the velocity at which sound waves propagate through the atmosphere at approximately 11,000 meters above sea level. At this altitude, the temperature is typically around -56°C, resulting in a sound speed of approximately 295 m/s.
The calculator uses the speed of sound formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how the speed of sound changes with temperature in the atmosphere, with sound traveling faster in warmer air.
Details: Calculating the speed of sound is crucial for aviation, meteorology, acoustics, and various engineering applications. It helps in determining sound propagation characteristics at different altitudes and temperatures.
Tips: Enter the temperature in Celsius degrees. The calculator will compute the corresponding speed of sound in meters per second. The default value is set to -56°C, which is the typical temperature at 11km altitude.
Q1: Why does the speed of sound change with altitude?
A: The speed of sound primarily depends on temperature, which decreases with altitude in the troposphere, causing sound to travel slower at higher altitudes.
Q2: What is the typical speed of sound at sea level?
A: At sea level with a temperature of 15°C, the speed of sound is approximately 340 m/s.
Q3: Does humidity affect the speed of sound?
A: Yes, humidity slightly increases the speed of sound, though the effect is smaller than that of temperature.
Q4: Why is the speed of sound important in aviation?
A: The speed of sound is critical for calculating Mach numbers and understanding supersonic flight characteristics.
Q5: How does the speed of sound vary in different media?
A: Sound travels faster in solids than in liquids, and faster in liquids than in gases, due to differences in density and elastic properties.