Question

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?
a. this causes a lot of heat that the airplane must be shielded from.
b. the flight pattern can become erratic due to loss of thrust and drag.
c. this can cause sonic booms that can damage building structures.
d. the airplane must have additional aerodynamic features because of the added drag of having new molecules.

Explanation:

When molecules on an airplane's surface break apart and chemically react during supersonic flight, it releases a large amount of energy in the form of heat. The airplane needs protection from this heat to maintain structural integrity and for the proper functioning of its systems. Option B is more about aerodynamic and thrust - related issues not directly related to the chemical reaction. Option C is about sonic booms which are not directly related to the chemical reaction of surface molecules. Option D is about aerodynamic features due to added drag from new molecules which is not the main challenge from the chemical reaction.

Answer:

A. This causes a lot of heat that the airplane must be shielded from.