Final answer:
The specific fuel consumption (SFC) of a turbojet is likely lower than that of a ramjet at M = 1.5 and 50,000 feet altitude due to design differences; however, exact figures would require detailed engine data. Ambient conditions of pressure and temperature at this altitude influence the efficiency and performance of both engine types.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question involves comparing the specific fuel consumption of a turbojet and a ramjet at a certain flight condition, specifically at a Mach number (M) of 1.5 and an altitude of 50,000 feet. Special attention should be paid to the ambient conditions provided of 11.6 kPa pressure and 205 K temperature, as this will influence the performance and efficiency of the engines. Specific fuel consumption (SFC) is a measure of the fuel efficiency of an engine design with respect to thrust output. In general, a ramjet is more efficient at high speeds (above M = 2) while a turbojet typically offers better fuel efficiency at speeds lower than this. At the speed of M = 1.5 indicated in the question, we can expect the turbojet engine to have a lower SFC compared to the ramjet because the ramjet lacks moving parts and compressors, which makes it less efficient at lower supersonic speeds.
The ambient conditions at 50,000 feet altitude, with the specified temperature and pressure, must be taken into consideration when determining the SFC for both engines as it affects air density and thereby the thrust and fuel consumption. To fully answer the student's request, more detailed performance data about the specific turbojet and ramjet engines being compared would be required, but the principles of SFC at given speeds and altitudes can be applied to support the comparison theoretically.