Final answer:
The experimental plane's speed in terms of Mach number is approximately Mach 2.92, using the speed of sound at sea level (343 m/s), which means none of the options provided are correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The experimental plane's maximum speed is 1000 m/s. To determine its speed in terms of Mach number, we need to know the speed of sound at the altitude it is flying. However, since this information is not provided, we can use the standard speed of sound at sea level and at room temperature, which is approximately 343 m/s. The Mach number is the speed of an object moving through air, or any other fluid substance, divided by the speed of sound in the same medium. Hence, to find the experimental plane's Mach number, we divide its speed by the speed of sound:
Mach number = speed of the plane / speed of sound
Mach number = 1000 m/s / 343 m/s ≈ 2.92
Therefore, it appears none of the provided options (A) Mach 0.8, (B) Mach 1.2, (C) Mach 1.5, or (D) Mach 2.0 match the calculated Mach number, which is approximately Mach 2.92.