Mach 101

From: Boys' Life | Date: November 1, 2003| Author: Parker, John | Copyright information

Just how fast is the speed of sound?

MACH 1.

Just saying these words brings visions of sleek aircraft racing across the sky, sending out shock-waves that sound like thunder. You might have read that the space shuttle flies at Mach 25 in the upper atmosphere. But what does "Mach" really mean? And where did the term come from?

Ernst Mach (sounds like mock) was a European scientist who spent part of his career making discoveries about sounds. As recognition for his contribut...

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