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Supersonic flight can cause molecules on the surface of an airplane to break apart and chemically react. what additional challenges to flight does this create

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Final answer:

Supersonic flight creates additional challenges due to chemical reactions on the surface of the airplane and potential ozone layer depletion.

Step-by-step explanation:

Supersonic flight can create additional challenges due to the chemical reactions that occur on the surface of the airplane. When aircraft fly at supersonic speeds, they create shock waves, which can cause molecules on the surface of the plane to break apart and chemically react. This can lead to damage and erosion of the aircraft's surface. Additionally, supersonic flight produces nitric oxide (NO) as a byproduct, which can react with ozone (O3) and contribute to ozone layer depletion. Therefore, supersonic flights are banned over populated areas to avoid these potential harms.

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