1604 fps equals approximately 1.94 mach. This means that at this speed, an object is moving nearly twice the speed of sound.
To convert feet per second to mach, we divide the speed in fps by the speed of sound in feet per second, which is about 1116 fps at sea level. So, dividing 1604 by 1116 yields the mach value.
Conversion Result
1604 fps is approximately 1.94 mach.
Conversion Tool
Result in mach:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert feet per second to mach divides the speed in fps by the speed of sound in fps, which is approximately 1116 fps at sea level. This works because mach measures the ratio of an object’s speed to sound’s speed. For example, 2000 fps divided by 1116 equals about 1.79 mach.
Conversion Example
- Convert 2000 fps to mach:
- Step 1: Take 2000 fps.
- Step 2: Divide 2000 by 1116.
- Step 3: 2000 / 1116 ≈ 1.79 mach.
- Result: 2000 fps is approximately 1.79 mach.
- Convert 1500 fps to mach:
- Step 1: Use 1500 fps.
- Step 2: Divide 1500 by 1116.
- Step 3: 1500 / 1116 ≈ 1.34 mach.
- Result: 1500 fps is around 1.34 mach.
- Convert 1800 fps to mach:
- Step 1: Use 1800 fps.
- Step 2: Divide 1800 by 1116.
- Step 3: 1800 / 1116 ≈ 1.61 mach.
- Result: 1800 fps equals roughly 1.61 mach.
Conversion Chart
| fps | mach |
|---|---|
| 1579.0 | 1.41 |
| 1589.0 | 1.42 |
| 1599.0 | 1.43 |
| 1609.0 | 1.44 |
| 1619.0 | 1.45 |
| 1629.0 | 1.46 |
Use this chart to quickly find the mach value for speeds within this range. Read the fps in the first column and find the corresponding mach in the second.
Related Conversion Questions
- How fast is 1604 fps in terms of mach in different atmospheric conditions?
- What is the equivalent of 1604 fps at higher altitudes where sound speed changes?
- Can I convert 1604 fps to km/h or mph for comparison?
- How does 1604 fps compare to typical aircraft speeds in mach?
- Is 1604 fps considered supersonic or subsonic speed?
- What is the mach number for 1604 fps in different planets’ atmospheres?
Conversion Definitions
fps, or feet per second, measures how many feet an object travels in one second, a common unit for speed in the imperial system. Mach refers to the ratio of an object’s speed to the local speed of sound, indicating whether it’s subsonic, sonic, or supersonic.
Conversion FAQs
How accurate is the 1116 fps speed of sound assumption?
The 1116 fps value is approximate and varies with altitude, temperature, and atmospheric composition. At higher altitudes, the speed of sound decreases, so conversions may need adjustments for precise measurements.
Why is mach used instead of mph or km/h in aeronautics?
Mach provides a standardized way to compare speeds relative to the speed of sound, which changes with altitude and temperature, making it more relevant for high-speed flight than absolute units like mph or km/h.
Can I use this conversion for speeds above Mach 2?
Yes, but you must consider that the speed of sound varies with conditions, so the fixed value of 1116 fps might not be accurate at all altitudes or temperatures for very high speeds.
What happens if I convert a speed in km/h to mach?
To convert km/h to mach, first convert km/h to fps, then divide by the local speed of sound in fps. Since 1 km/h equals approximately 0.911 fps, you can do the reverse calculation accordingly.
Is it safe to assume the sound speed is constant when converting speeds?
No, because the speed of sound fluctuates with temperature, pressure, and altitude. For precise conversions, adjustments based on environmental conditions are necessary.