Understanding Sonic Booms and the Sound Barrier

What is a sonic boom?

• A continuous sound produced by a plane traveling faster than sound

• A one-time event when a plane breaks the sound barrier

• A sound heard only by the pilot

• A sound that occurs only at high altitudes

Why does the pilot not hear the sonic boom?

• The sonic boom is only heard on the ground

• The cockpit is soundproof

• The pilot is wearing noise-canceling headphones

• The plane is ahead of the shock wave

What happens to the air as a plane approaches the speed of sound?

• It compresses and heats up

• It becomes turbulent

• It cools down

• It becomes less dense

What was the design inspiration for the Bell X1 aircraft?

• A bird's wing

• A rocket

• A commercial jet

• A bullet

What was a major challenge faced by early pilots trying to break the sound barrier?

• Lack of fuel

• Unstable aircraft due to increased drag

• Poor visibility

• Communication issues