What FPS is Supersonic? Understanding Frames Per Second and Supersonic Speed
The terms "FPS" (frames per second) and "supersonic" refer to entirely different concepts and cannot be directly compared. Let's break down each term to understand why:
FPS: Measuring Visual Refresh Rate
FPS, or frames per second, is a measurement used to describe the refresh rate of a display, such as a computer monitor or television screen. It represents how many individual images (frames) are displayed per second. A higher FPS generally results in smoother, more fluid-looking motion. In gaming, for example, a higher FPS is desirable for a more responsive and visually appealing experience. Common FPS values include 30, 60, 120, 144, and even higher refresh rates are becoming increasingly prevalent.
Supersonic: Measuring Speed
Supersonic, on the other hand, refers to speed. Specifically, it describes the speed of an object that is traveling faster than the speed of sound. The speed of sound varies depending on factors like temperature and altitude, but it's generally around 767 miles per hour (1235 kilometers per hour) at sea level. Anything moving faster than this is considered supersonic.
The Key Difference: FPS measures image refresh rate; supersonic describes the speed of an object relative to the speed of sound. There's no direct relationship between the two. You wouldn't measure the speed of a supersonic jet in frames per second, nor would you describe a monitor's refresh rate as supersonic.
Common Misunderstandings and Clarifications
Sometimes, the confusion arises from the context of video games or simulations. A game might simulate supersonic flight, accurately depicting the visual effects of breaking the sound barrier. However, the game's FPS only refers to how smoothly that simulation is rendered on the screen; it doesn't reflect the actual speed of the in-game aircraft. The in-game speed would be measured in units like Mach (Mach 1 being the speed of sound).
In summary: there's no FPS value that corresponds to "supersonic." They are distinct units measuring different aspects of a system or object's performance.
