Eli5 what is the force behind a sonic boom?

566 views

I know it comes from breaking the sound barrier, but why a boom instead of complete silence?
I have the understanding it creates a physical wave too.
Bonus questions: Does the pilot hear it?

Can the same thing be achieved underwater?

Related: I know the speed of sound is faster under water, does any reaction happen theoretically at the air speed of sound underwater?

In: 310

13 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

the force??? isn’t something traveling past the speed of sound relative to air enough force to convince you? lol

You are viewing 1 out of 13 answers, click here to view all answers.