Mach 1 is the speed of sound in a given medium, most commonly air. At sea level under standard atmospheric conditions (15°C or 59°F, atmospheric pressure of 101.325 kPa), Mach 1 corresponds to approximately 767 miles per hour (1,235 kilometers per hour)
. The exact speed of Mach 1 varies with factors such as altitude, temperature, and the medium through which sound travels. For example, at higher altitudes where the air is colder and less dense, the speed of sound-and thus Mach 1-is lower. At 30,000 feet, Mach 1 is about 589 knots (677 mph)
. In water, Mach 1 is much faster, roughly 3,415 mph (5,500 km/h), and in solids like steel, it can be around 13,000 mph (21,000 km/h)
. In summary:
- Mach 1 at sea level in air ≈ 767 mph (1,235 km/h)
- Mach 1 at 30,000 feet in air ≈ 677 mph (589 knots)
- Mach 1 in water ≈ 3,415 mph (5,500 km/h)
- Mach 1 in steel ≈ 13,000 mph (21,000 km/h)
Mach 1 is a critical threshold marking the transition from subsonic to supersonic speeds, important in aviation, aerospace, and ballistics
