What is the approximate speed of sound in dry air at 20 degrees Celsius?

Prepare for the FAA Aviation Physics Test with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Access exam tips and practice materials to ace your test!

The approximate speed of sound in dry air at 20 degrees Celsius is around 343 meters per second. This speed is derived from the relationship between temperature and the speed of sound, which states that sound travels faster in warmer air due to increased molecular activity. At 20 degrees Celsius, the calculated speed aligns closely with 343 m/s, a value that is accepted as a standard reference for the speed of sound at this temperature.

As temperatures vary, the speed of sound also changes: for instance, it increases approximately by 0.6 m/s for each degree Celsius increase in temperature. Understanding this relationship is crucial for aviation physics, as it impacts aircraft performance, such as takeoff and landing distances, and the overall dynamics of flight.

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