Sonic Boom

Category: Physics / Science & Technology

  • A sonic boom is the loud explosive-like sound produced when an object travels through the atmosphere at a speed greater than the speed of sound.
  • Supersonic flight generates shock waves.
  • These shock waves form a Mach cone behind the moving object.
  • When the shock wave reaches an observer on the ground, it can be heard as a sonic boom.
  • The Mach number is the ratio of an object's speed to the local speed of sound.
  • Sonic booms are an important consideration in the development of supersonic aircraft.

Key Pointers: Cause → Shock waves | Condition → Supersonic speed | Concept → Mach number.