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Q:

Can an airplane break the sound barrier?

A:

Certain planes can fly faster than the speed of sound. We call these supersonic planes. After passing the sound barrier, however, planes face new difficulties, such as shock waves, and problems with pressure which make it hard to produce lift. This is why they need to be built differently, and will not have the same shape as normal commerical planes. They tend to have a pointed nose and swept wings, like the Concorde.

Ask an Explainer
Posted on May 7, 2014 at 1:42 pm
Categories:
Aerodynamics
Structures & Materials
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