SOUNDBARRIER Meaning and
Definition
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The term "sound barrier" is a noun that refers to a phenomenon in physics, specifically in the field of aerodynamics. It describes the point at which an object, usually an aircraft, reaches or exceeds the speed of sound in the surrounding medium, often air. At lower speeds, sound waves emitted by an object can disperse in all directions, creating a distinct sonic signature. However, as an object approaches the speed of sound, the sound waves bunch up in front of it, resulting in a compression of sound waves that creates a shock wave. This shock wave is known as a sonic boom.
When an object crosses the sound barrier, it is said to have broken the sound barrier. The term is also used to describe the actual speed at which sound travels through a particular medium. For instance, in dry air at sea level, the speed of sound is approximately 343 meters per second or 1,125 feet per second.
The concept of the sound barrier has been of great significance in the history of aviation, particularly in the development of supersonic flight. Initially, breaking this barrier was considered unachievable due to the forces and effects that accumulated at supersonic speeds. However, advancements in aerodynamics and aircraft designs eventually led to the successful breaking and overcoming of the sound barrier, allowing for the development of supersonic flight technology.
Common Misspellings for SOUNDBARRIER
- aoundbarrier
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- eoundbarrier
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Etymology of SOUNDBARRIER
The word "sound barrier" is a compound noun formed by combining the words "sound" and "barrier".
The term "sound" comes from the Middle English word "soun", derived from the Old French word "soun" or "son". "Soun" itself originated from the Latin word "sonus", meaning "sound" or "noise".
The word "barrier", on the other hand, has a Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "barriera", which referred to a structure or obstacle used to block or obstruct something. This word ultimately came from the Latin noun "barra", meaning "bar" or "beam".
Therefore, when combined, "sound barrier" refers to the physical phenomenon of the barrier or obstruction faced by an object moving at high speed, causing a sonic boom or a sudden increase in air pressure.
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