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Faster Than Sound
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Viewing Ideas
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Before Watching
How fast is the speed of sound? It depend on what temperature the air is. The
generally accepted speed through air is 344 m/sec (1130 ft/sec or 758 mi/hr) at
20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). To put the speed of sound in context, have students compare
it to speeds with which they are familiar. Have them research speeds such as
the fastest land animal, the highway speed limit, and speed records for people
in cars, bikes, or on foot. How does the speed of light compare to all of
these?
After Watching
The pilots in this program risked their lives to help understand how an
aircraft behaved as it approached the speed of sound. Have students discuss the
issues surrounding risking human life in scientific experimentation from points
of view of scientists, government, test pilots, and the pilots' families. Have
students consider the issue during different times in history, such as in
wartime. Early test pilots flew planes faster than anyone thought possible. But how do
planes fly? Introduce students to some basic principles of flight in the demonstrations. (See activity page.)
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