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
As a jet speeds up, it builds a wave in front of it – similar to a boat. At certain speeds/elevations/atmospheric conditions, the jet can pass through that wave, which creates an explosion of sorts. The jet is outrunning the bulge of sound being pushed in front of it. And breaking through creates a shockwave. And nope – as far as I know, pilots say there’s no noticeable change when they pass through Mach 1.
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