Eli5: How can a shock wave, as from an explosion, travel faster than the speed of sound?

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Eli5: How can a shock wave, as from an explosion, travel faster than the speed of sound?

In: Physics

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Because there is no physical barrier limiting the ability of air molecules to move faster than the speed of regular sound vibrations. Most regular sound vibrations are caused by slower waves vibrating outwards, while a shockwave is most often caused by a sudden and powerful release of energy, causing a faster series of waves and vibrations.

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