Here's why:
* The speed of sound varies: It depends on factors like temperature, altitude, and the medium the sound is traveling through (air, water, etc.).
* Mach number provides context: Saying something is traveling at Mach 2 doesn't tell you its exact speed in kilometers per hour or miles per hour. It tells you it's traveling twice as fast as the speed of sound in the specific environment it's in.
In summary:
* Mach is a relative measurement.
* It's used to describe the speed of an object in relation to the speed of sound.
* It provides a more convenient way to express high speeds, especially in aviation and aerodynamics.
