What does the term "supersonic" refer to?

The term "supersonic" specifically refers to speeds that exceed the speed of sound in the medium through which an object is traveling, typically air. The speed of sound at sea level is approximately 343 meters per second (about 1,125 feet per second), and anything traveling faster than this is classified as supersonic.

In the context of aviation and military applications, supersonic speeds are significant as they can be achieved by certain aircraft and munitions designed for high-speed performance. This understanding is critical in various fields, including aerodynamics, aerospace engineering, and defense technology.

Other options refer to different contexts: the speed of light is a fundamental constant in physics not related to supersonic speeds, while the speed of wind can vary widely and is not a fixed benchmark like the speed of sound. The speed of a bullet may also be faster than sound, but it can vary significantly based on the type of ammunition and does not serve as a general or scientific standard for defining supersonic.