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
The jet, or whatever is breaking the sound barrier is essentially creating a complete vacuum behind it. The air cannot travel faster than the speed of sound. This means as the jet moves it pushes the air outward but the air is now moving at the speed of sound inward and the jet is long gone. The sound is air clapping together as it hits itself at the speed of sound.
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