Sonic boom

Definition

A sonic boom is a loud explosive noise caused by the shock waves created when an object travels through the air faster than the speed of sound. These shock waves produce a sudden change in pressure, resulting in a characteristic 'boom' sound.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A sonic boom occurs when an object exceeds the speed of sound, creating shock waves.
2. The speed of sound varies with altitude and temperature; at sea level, it is approximately 343 meters per second (1235 km/h or 767 mph).
3. The intensity of a sonic boom depends on factors such as the size, shape, and altitude of the object.
4. Sonic booms can cause structural damage to buildings and can be heard over large distances.
5. The Mach number indicates how many times faster than the speed of sound an object is traveling; Mach 1 is equal to the speed of sound.

Review Questions

• What conditions must be met for a sonic boom to occur?
• How does altitude affect the speed at which a sonic boom occurs?
• What are some factors that influence the intensity of a sonic boom?

Related terms

Mach Number:

A dimensionless quantity representing the ratio of an object's speed to the speed of sound in the surrounding medium.

Shock Wave:

A type of propagating disturbance that moves faster than local speed of sound and results in an abrupt change in pressure, temperature, and density.

Supersonic:

Refers to speeds greater than the speed of sound (Mach >1).